MFA Spokesman's Comments on an Exclusive Economic Zone around Pedra Branca, 25 July 2008

In response to media queries, the MFA Spokesman clarified:

"Singapore did not take a new position in Parliament on 21 July 2008 when Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Balaji Sadasivan responded to MPs' questions about Pedra Branca. Singapore first stated its claim to a territorial sea limit that extends up to a maximum of 12 nautical miles and an Exclusive Economic Zone in a MFA Press Statement on 15 September 1980. This was reiterated in another MFA Press Statement on 23 May 2008 following the International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgment on sovereignty over Pedra Branca and Middle Rocks. As stated in both Press Statements, should the limits of our territorial sea or Exclusive Economic Zone overlap with the claims of neighbouring countries, Singapore will negotiate with those countries with a view to arriving at agreed delimitations in accordance with international law.

At the sidelines of the recent AMM meetings in Singapore, Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo agreed with Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato' Seri Utama Rais Yatim that the delimitation of the maritime boundary between Malaysia and Singapore in the area around Pedra Branca and Middle Rocks following the ICJ judgment should be discussed by the Joint Technical Committee. This should be done according to international laws."

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
25 JULY 2008