Hearing date set for S'pore, Msia

Aug 21 2007 (TODAY)

The overlapping claims by Singapore and Malaysia over Pedra Branca and two
nearby islands, Middle Rocks and South Ledge, will go before the
International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague on Nov 6. A decision is
expected early next year.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar was quoted as saying that his
country was ready with the necessary evidence and documents for the
hearing, reported The Star newspaper yesterday.

Both countries claim sovereignty over the islands and the matter was
referred to the ICJ in 2003. Singapore's consistent position is for it to
be resolved before the court.

Mr Abdul Kadir Mohamed, adviser for foreign affairs to the Prime Minister,
will lead the 50-man Malaysian legal team. The hearing is expected to take
two to three weeks.

Since the 1840s, Singapore has occupied and exercised full sovereignty
over Pedra Branca, which is located at the entrance to the Singapore
Strait.