Fayyaz: Falsities by the opposition on border dispute in vain

Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail, on Friday, has described the ruling by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) on the border dispute between Maldives and Mauritius in favor of Maldives as a huge success.

Speaking to Sun following the ruling, Fayyaz, who also serves as the chairperson of the main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), said the falsities raised by the opposition coalition regarding the dispute had been in vain. Stressing the failure of the opposition coalition’s ‘India Out’ campaign and their attempt to twist the truth of the Chagos issue – Fayyaz recommended the coalition to seek an alternate formula to change the government.

“It would be smart for the opposition to seek another formula to change the government in place of lies and deceit,” he added.

ITLOS, on Friday, concluded that the conflicting Exclusive Economic Zone (EEC) between both nations will be divided between the two using the equidistance formula as argued by Maldives in the case. The bigger portion, however, is awarded to the Maldives.

The disagreement between the two nations in dividing the zone via the equidistance formula arises from Mauritius' request to lay measurements from Blenheim Reef which is visible during low tides.

Maldives argued that the Blenheim Reef did not fall within the maritime borders of Mauritius. ITLOS, on Friday, decided against accepting the proposition put forth by Mauritius.

With this decision, Maldives will gain an additional 4,687 square kilometers of maritime area.