Baghdad / NINA /-Iraqi newspapers published on Thursday focused on the implications of Iraq’s deposit of its maritime charts with the United Nations, as well as ongoing political efforts to resolve pending constitutional entitlements.

The state-run daily Iraqi Media Network newspaper Al-Sabah described the move as the beginning of a new phase centered on legal and diplomatic action to consolidate Iraq’s sovereign rights and regulate the investment of its maritime resources in accordance with international frameworks.

Political sources emphasized that the post-deposit phase requires coordinated government measures to fix internationally recognized coordinates, engage concerned states, and safeguard national interests in territorial waters. Meanwhile, Parliament continues to review the Khor Abdullah navigation agreement after the Federal Supreme Court ruled the ratification law unconstitutional, with growing calls to complete the necessary legal procedures.

MP Ahmed Shaheed told Al-Sabah that Iraq has entered a decisive stage following the implementation of international resolutions related to the demarcation of its land and maritime borders, particularly United Nations Security Council Resolution 833, which formally established internationally recognized boundaries.

He added that consolidating maritime rights strengthens Iraq’s economic standing, especially as development advances on Al-Faw Grand Port and the Development Road project, paving the way for Iraq to emerge as a key regional economic hub.

Addressing unresolved maritime boundary issues, including the Durra gas field and artificial islands, Shaheed stressed the need to accelerate infrastructure projects and capitalize on Iraq’s strategic geographic position.

MP Ali Saber also described the activation and updating of maritime maps as a significant sovereign and diplomatic step reflecting Iraq’s commitment to international maritime law and relevant bilateral and multilateral agreements. He noted that beyond administrative and technical dimensions, the measure represents a strategic effort to defend national rights in territorial and economic waters, clarify navigation routes, and ensure stability.

Saber further stated that the move would enable Iraq to collect legally regulated transit fees from passing vessels, supporting public revenues and diversifying income sources, while enhancing Iraq’s maritime standing in the region.

He underscored that managing the file through balanced diplomacy and dialogue would strengthen mutual trust with neighboring countries and reaffirm Iraq’s commitment to peaceful legal solutions regarding border and shared resource disputes.

The daily Al-Zaman examined the technical and legal process behind the production of Iraq’s new maritime domains map, highlighting the professional groundwork that preceded its deposit with the United Nations.

Retired Lieutenant General Jamal Al-Halbousi stated that the Iraqi-Kuwaiti joint committee, which held 13 meetings between the two sides, had been aware of the map for several months, noting that the work was conducted within officially recognized technical frameworks.

Al-Halbousi emphasized that leading Iraqi experts, including military officers, surveyors, and naval specialists, contributed professionally to drafting the map without political interference. He added that the Iraqi team played a central role in the demarcation process and maintained direct coordination with Lebanese maritime expert Amin Atef Saliba to ensure all legal and technical standards were met.

He further revealed that the map was presented at Al-Nahrain Center to German legal expert Rüdiger Wolfrum, former president of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, along with his assistant Nadia Khoury, in the presence of concerned parties and technical committees. Wolfrum reportedly endorsed the map as professionally prepared, while stressing that Iraq had significantly delayed its submission and should deposit it promptly with the United Nations, informing Kuwait as a goodwill measure.

According to Al-Halbousi, the Kuwaiti side had already been provided with a copy.
Al-Halbousi also argued that Kuwait’s maritime map issued under Decree No. 317 of 2014 includes what he described as a clear encroachment on Iraqi maritime domains. He maintained that Iraq could prevail in potential legal proceedings provided it prepares comprehensive documentation and forms a strong legal defense team.

On the domestic political front, Al-Zawraa, published by the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate, reviewed ongoing meetings aimed at resolving constitutional entitlements, particularly the issue of the presidency.

The paper highlighted a meeting between President Abdul Latif Rashid and Ammar al-Hakim, leader of the National Wisdom Movement, where both stressed the need to expedite outstanding national entitlements to reinforce political stability and national consensus.

It also reported on discussions between Speaker of Parliament Mohammed al-Halbousi and Sheikh Hammam Hamoudi, head of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq, who similarly underscored the importance of resolving constitutional obligations without delay to safeguard the political process.

Continuing its coverage of political consultations, Az-Zawraa reported on a meeting between Mohsen al-Mandalawi, head of the Al-Asas al-Iraqi Coalition, and a delegation from the Babylon Movement led by Rayan al-Kildani.

The discussions focused on mechanisms to enhance coordination and integration among national political forces within the Council of Representatives, with the aim of strengthening stability and activating the parliament’s legislative and oversight roles. Both sides stressed the importance of formulating unified positions on key national issues in line with current challenges and the country’s higher interests.

The two parties affirmed the need to maintain constructive dialogue and intensify consultations in the coming phase, supporting joint action, reinforcing state institutions, and advancing citizens’ aspirations for stability and development./ End



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