PULAU BATU PUTEH: The ICJ has ruled that the disputed island (above)belongs to Singapore while Malaysia has sovereignty over Middle Rocks.

(credit picture: http://www.nst.com.my/)

news from: http://thestar.com.my

THE HAGUE: The International Court of Justice has ruled that Singapore has sovereignty over Pulau Batu Puteh while Malaysia owns Middle Rocks.

As for the South Ledge, the ICJ ruled that it belongs to the state in whose territorial waters it is located.

ICJ vice-president, Awn Shawkat Al-Khasawneh read out the judgment, which was carried live over RTM1 Friday.

Pulau Batu Putih, which Singapore calls Pedra Branca, an isle no larger than half a football field, is about 14.3km from Tanjung Penyusop in Johor and 46.3km from Singapore.

Middle Rocks is about half a nautical mile from Pulau Batu Putih and 1.7 nautical miles from South Ledge.

The 17-member bench heard oral arguments from Malaysia and Singapore between Nov 16 and 23 last year.

The judgment ends the 28-year old territorial dispute between Malaysia and Singapore and both countries had earlier pledged to abide by the decision of the ICJ that is final and not subject to appeal.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim described the judgment as a "win-win" situation. He said the status quo remained although Singapore has sovereignty over Pulau Batu Puteh and Malaysia over Middle Rocks.

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