Kuwaiti Minister: Iran Must Enter Into Demarcation of Intl. Borders for Gas Field Dispute

Kuwait is in agreement with Saudi Arabia over the Al-Durra gas field as it is a negotiating party, according to the Kuwaiti oil minister. Following Iran’s announcement that it was prepared to commence drilling in the Al-Durra gas field, Kuwait has also urged Tehran to open discussions about the demarcation of its maritime borders.

“Iran must first enter into the demarcation of international borders, and after that, whoever has a right will get it according to the rules of international law,” Saad Al-Barrak said in an interview with Asharq during the 8th OPEC International Seminar. Kuwait has rejected Iran’s “claims” over the Al-Durra gas field, stressing that it owns exclusive rights to its natural resources along with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait News Agency reported. “It is too early to talk about production levels in the region shared with Saudi Arabia,” Al-Barrak added.

Like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait also called on Iran to begin negotiations over the demarcation of its maritime borders after Tehran said it was ready to begin drilling in the field. “We categorically and totally reject Iran’s planned activities around the premises of the Durra offshore gas field,” said Al-Barrak, KUNA reported. Al-Barrak recently said that he was surprised by the Iranian plan and added that the move from Tehran contradicts the basic principles of international relations. - Arab News