(MENAFN- The Peninsula) QNA
The State of Qatar condemned the statement issued by the Bahraini Interior Ministry on the detention of 15 Bahraini boats carrying 20 sailors, describing it as a desperate attempt to escalate the ongoing diplomatic dispute.
An official source at the Ministry of Interior said yesterday that the detention of the fishing boats, which illegally entered Qatari waters, is not a new procedure. All unauthorised fishing boats receive a warning to leave Qatari waters, and if they are non-compliant, they are referred to the competent authorities.
The crew will be released within three days, while the ships will be detained until the court makes a decision.
The source said the Ministry of the Interior, represented by the Coast and Borders Security Department, has repeatedly warned the fishermen not to fish in Qatari waters and not to use harmful fishing practices.
These warnings were issued without a response.
The official source underlined that the State of Qatar does not allow any unlawful breach on its maritime borders, and is committed to international treaties and covenants relating to international maritime conventions.
All parties must abide by this in order to ensure maritime safety.
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