BORDER VERDICT [Archives:1999/51/Front Page]

The Chairman of The Hague-based International Arbitration Tribunal between Yemen and Eritrea announced in London on Friday the final ruling pertaining to the delineation of maritime boundaries between our country and Eritrea. The documents on the International arbitration were received for our country by Dr Hussein Al-Amri, Yemen’s ambassador to Britain.
Yemeni Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Mohammed Al-Saidi has confirmed that the decision represents a culmination of a great diplomatic effort and an important historic development in political, diplomatic and civilizational relations between two neighborly countries. They have given an impressive example for all countries and civilized communities that respect international legitimacy and regional legitimacy to use a non-military option in solving disputes. He added that this historic event in itself represents a way that should be followed for resolving Arab, regional and international disputes.
According to the court’s decision, the boundary will be split down the middle, starting from each country’s mainland shore, although Yemen had said its maritime boundaries should begin at Hanish Island.
The recent International court decision has defined each country’s fishing rights. It allows Eritrean fishermen to continue using the disputed islands for repairing boats and drying fish.
The dispute between Yemen and Eritrea over sovereignty over the Red Sea Islands had led to clashes between the two countries in 1996. The two countries then agreed to let the International Court in The Hague decide their dispute over the said islands. The first stage of the Court’s ruling gave Yemen the right to sovereignty over Hanish and several of the islands.
For more details please read the Yemen Times interview with the Yemeni vice minister of foreign affairs on Interview page.
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