An international arbitration tribunal has concluded its hearing on a maritime boundary dispute between Bangladesh and India, and is expected to give its ruling within six months.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration held the hearing from December 9-18 at the Peace Palace in The Hague, a foreign ministry press release said yesterday.
Over the course of the hearing, both parties presented their positions on some key issues relating to the maritime boundary between the two neighbouring countries, including the location of the land boundary terminus between them, the delimitation of the territorial sea, the continental shelf within and beyond 200 nautical miles (370km) and exclusive economic zones.
The tribunal will finish its deliberations on the merits of the arbitration within six months of the close of the proceedings, the release said.
Judge Rüdiger Wolfrum presided over the tribunal, while judges Jean-Pierre Cot, Thomas A Mensah and Pemmaraju Sreenivasa were its members.
On the opening day, Bangladesh Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali and Indian Attorney General Goolam E Vahanvati made opening statements on behalf of their respective countries. Former foreign minister Dipu Moni also made introductory remarks as the agent of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh concluded its first round of arguments on December 10. Lawrence Martin, Philippe Sands, Payam Akhavan, Paul Reichler, Alan Boyle and James Crawford argued on behalf of Bangladesh.
On December 12, the agent of India, Neeru Chadha, joint secretary and legal adviser of the external affairs ministry, gave a general presentation of the case.
India concluded its first round of arguments on December 13. RKP Shankardass, Alain Pellet, Michael Reisman and Sir Michael Wood were the counsels for India.
Bangladesh concluded the second round of arguments on Monday, while India finished its arguments on Wednesday. Both parties also answered questions from the tribunal.
