Pedra Branca Ruling To Stay

Source : The Straits Times, Sep 1, 2008

SINGAPORE and Malaysia have reiterated their commitment to honour and abide by the International Court of Justices judgment on Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks and South Ledge.

The meeting agreed that traditional fishing activities by both countries would continue in waters beyond 0.5 nautical miles off Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge respectively. -- ST PHOTO: TERENCE TAN

The two countries also agreed to fully implement its decision by continuing the discussions pursuant to the first round meeting of the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Technical Committee (MSJTC) here on June 3.

This was stated by both the Foreign Ministers of Singapore and Malaysia, George Yeo and Datuk Seri Rais Yatim respectively in a joint statement released by the Singapore Foreign Ministry here today.

The statement said both countries conveyed their commitment when their senior officials met in Putrajaya on Aug 20 to further discuss the implementation of ICJ's judgment on the three rocky outcrops in the Singapore Straits.

In the meeting, the Malaysian delegation was led by the Foreign Ministry's secretary-general Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa while the Singapore delegation was led by the country's Foreign Affairs Ministy's permanent secretary Peter Ho.

The statement said the MSJTC reviewed the work of the Sub-Committee on Joint Survey Works and agreed that the sub-committee should continue to hold discussions in the following weeks to finalise technical preparations relating to the joint hydro-graphic survey.

The meeting also agreed on the establishment of a Sub-Committee on Maritime & Airspace Management and Fisheries which met on the same day.

The meeting agreed that traditional fishing activities by both countries would continue in waters beyond 0.5 nautical miles off Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge respectively.

The MSJTC agreed that the sub-committee should also continue to hold discussions in the following weeks with regard to other issues relating to maritime and airspace management.

Both sides were also pleased with the progress made by the Joint Technical Committee and agreed that the next meeting be held here this month. -- BERNAMA