Bahrain condemns Qatari fighters interception of UAE airliner

Manama, Apr. 22 (BNA): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain condemned the interception of an Emirati airliner "Airbus 320" by Qatari fighter jets. The Airbus, arriving from Dammam airport to Abu Dhabi, was carrying dozens of passengers while flying over international waters through an international air corridor of the Bahrain Flight Information Region, flying in a well-known track and fulfilling all necessary procedures.  The Ministry reiterated that those provocative and repeated acts, which the State of Qatar bears responsibility for, represent a threat to passengers' lives, it also threatens the safety of civil aviation and is a serious violation of relevant international laws and conventions.  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed the right of the Kingdom of Bahrain to take all measures with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), relevant organizations and UN agencies to preserve the safety and security of civil aviation and passengers against irresponsible and illegal Qatari practices.  The Ministry stressed Bahaian's full solidarity with the United Arab Emirates in all measures may be taken to address repeated Qatari violations, in order to ensure the safety of civil aviation and to protect the lives of civilians and innocent people.