Abu Dhabi, UAE – The UAE welcomed the decision of the IMO Legal Committee. Which was adopted during its 113th session. Which strongly condemned the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran. In addition to its attacks and threats against ships in the region, and its attacks on the territories of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Jordan.
The committee also condemned Iran’s threats related to planting mines in and around the Strait of Hormuz, and the tariff system it imposed on ships crossing the strait.
In its decision submitted by the UAE, the IMO Legal Committee affirmed that these actions conflict with the right of transit passage through the Strait, a right that must not be obstructed. Demanding that Iran cease its attacks, remove any naval mines it may have planted in and around the Strait of Hormuz, and abide by its duties in accordance with international law. Especially ensuring the unhindered passage of ships through the strait.
The UAE Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization, Mohammed Khamis Saeed Al Kaabi, welcomed the Legal Committee’s decision, saying: “The Legal Committee (today) demonstrated a unified position to defend an international maritime order based on principles, and supported the right of transit passage for ships in the Strait of Hormuz”. The Committee was not affected by Iran’s attempt to justify its illegal actions and undermine the authority and procedures of the International Maritime Organization. The international community has categorically affirmed, through the work of the Committee, the right of transit passage in this vital international waterway.
Like the IMO Council, the Legal Committee condemned Iran’s attacks and threats. As it conflicts with the organization’s goals, and poses a serious danger to lives, especially sailors. In addition to posing a serious threat to the marine environment, Iran was called upon to immediately refrain from any actions or threats aimed at shutting down, obstructing, or otherwise interfering with international shipping in the region.
The Legal Committee called on the Secretary-General of the Organization to monitor incidents and negative impacts resulting from Iran’s actions on international navigation, sailors, the marine environment, trade and logistics services. Which contributes to holding Iran accountable for these illegal actions.
The Legal Committee’s decision comes in the wake of the decision of the Facilitation Committee of the International Maritime Organization issued on March 27. Which acknowledged the concerns of the International Maritime Organization Council regarding the dangerous effects of blatant attacks launched by Iran on commercial ships on international maritime traffic. Calling on the Secretary-General of the Organization to take the necessary measures to begin establishing a framework to facilitate the safe evacuation of commercial ships stranded in the region.
