Capitals, Aug. 14 (SANA) The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Egypt and Bahrain on Friday condemned attacks on two vessels operated by the UAE’s ADNOC while they were transiting the Strait of Hormuz, warning that attacks on commercial shipping threaten regional security and international maritime trade.
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi described the attacks as a “dangerous and unacceptable escalation” and a direct threat to maritime navigation and international trade in one of the world’s most important waterways.
Al Budaiwi said the attacks violated international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. He rejected attempts to use the Strait of Hormuz as a means of pressure and called on the international community to act to protect freedom of navigation.
The GCC also reiterated its full solidarity with the United Arab Emirates and its support for measures taken by Abu Dhabi to protect its security, sovereignty and interests.
Egypt’s Foreign Ministry separately condemned the attack, saying it threatened the safety of maritime navigation and freedom of movement through a key international waterway. Cairo called for respect for international law and an end to actions that could endanger civilian vessels and infrastructure or fuel further regional escalation.
Bahrain also condemned the Iranian attack on the vessels and called on the UN Security Council to take action to safeguard commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and other international waterways.
Manama said freedom of navigation through the strait was critical to energy security, global trade and the uninterrupted supply of food and medicine, while reaffirming its support for the UAE.
ADNOC said two of its vessels were attacked on Thursday while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. No injuries were reported and the situation was brought under control. The incident was the second involving an ADNOC vessel in less than a week.
KA.ABD
