The Foreign Minister has affirmed His Majesty King Hamad’s conviction that a just peace and sustainable stability are the path to a dignified life for all the peoples of the region.
Bahrain categorically rejects any permit or fee regime imposed on transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and rejects the use of international waterways as a means of pressure or economic coercion, Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani said as he delivered Bahrain’s address before the United Nations General Assembly.
The speech affirmed the approach of His Majesty, supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, that the security and prosperity of this region are two sides of a single reality.
The Foreign Minister affirmed that Bahrain will remain faithful to its international covenants and commitments, committed to international law, to freedom of navigation, and to a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace.
He said the Arabian Gulf region has reached a difficult security juncture unlike any it has known in decades. The GCC states and Jordan have been subjected to waves of unjustified Iranian attacks using ballistic missiles and drones, targeting civilian facilities, residential areas, ports, airports and energy installations, in flagrant violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.
He stressed that these indiscriminate attacks make no distinction between military and civilian targets and have no legal justification whatsoever.
The Foreign Minister referred to the repercussions of Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the strait is an international shipping lane, and that the right of passage through it is guaranteed to the vessels of all states under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Dr Al Zayani said Bahrain did not confine itself to declaring its principled position on this crisis. Rather, on behalf of the GCC states and Jordan, and by virtue of its current presidency of the GCC and its non-permanent membership of the Security Council, it led the adoption of Security Council resolution 2817, which condemned the attacks against Gulf countries, affirmed their sovereignty, and rejected any measure aimed at closing the strait or impeding navigation through it.
He added that the kingdom has submitted a draft resolution under Chapter VII of the Charter on the protection of commercial shipping, and stressed the need to implement all United Nations resolutions so as to ensure accountability for those responsible for these violations and reparation for the damage caused, in accordance with international law.
He praised the Secretary-General for his tireless efforts in the service of international peace and security, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
He said trust is not restored through statements or by repeating appeals. It is restored by upholding the law and translating the decisions of this organisation into effective protection for people’s lives, rights and livelihoods.
He said Bahrain also condemns the attacks by the Iran-backed terrorist Houthi militia against civilian objects and Islamic holy sites in Saudi Arabia, and their threats to freedom of navigation in the Bab Al Mandab and the Red Sea.
“Our countries have been subjected to nearly 7,000 attacks, involving 1,700 ballistic missiles, 80 cruise missiles and 5,220 drones. Two thousand cargo vessels and tankers, with 20,000 seafarers on board, have also been detained, while 72 commercial vessels have been targeted, resulting in the deaths of 22 seafarers. These are not merely numbers. Behind every figure is a ship, a port, a market, and families waiting for those that provide for them to return home,” he said in his speech.
As the kingdom renews its full solidarity with the brotherly countries subjected to these attacks, it commends the professionalism and readiness of the Bahrain Defence Force, and the air defence forces of brotherly countries, in confronting these attacks, he said.
“The test of the United Nations’ credibility is not only confined to our waters. The Palestinian cause remains at the heart of our concerns. The kingdom reaffirms its steadfast position in support of the establishment of an independent and geographically contiguous State of Palestine, living alongside the State of Israel in peace and security. The Kingdom has also joined the Board of Peace as a founding member, pursuant to Security Council resolution 2803, reaffirming its unwavering support for the rights of the brotherly Palestinian people,” he said.
“Bahrain also reaffirms its support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria, as well as for efforts to lift sanctions in a manner that enables the brotherly Syrian people to rebuild their country.
“In Sudan, we call for an immediate ceasefire, the protection of civilians, unhindered humanitarian access, and a political solution that preserves Sudan’s unity and the institutions of the state. In Yemen, we renew our support for a political solution under United Nations auspices, led by the legitimate government, and express our appreciation for the efforts of Saudi Arabia in this regard,” he said.
“Our position on other conflicts, including Ukraine, is guided by the same principles, regardless of the parties involved: Adherence to the Charter, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the peaceful settlement of disputes,” he said.
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