MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE PLEASED WITH PROGRESS ON PEDRA BRANCA TALKS

SINGAPORE, Jan 8 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Singapore are pleased with the
progress made in the discussions on the implementation of the International
Court of Justice (ICJ) judgment on Pedra Branca, or Pulau Batu Puteh as known to
Malaysians, Middle Rocks and South Ledge, the rocky outcrops in the seas of
both countries.

Top government officials from the two neighbouring nations met here on
Tuesday to iron out several matters pertaining to the joint hydrographic survey,
maritime and airspace management and fisheries around the outcrops, according to
a joint statement by their foreign ministries.

At the meeting, the Malaysian delegation was led by Foreign Ministry
Secretary-General Rastam Mohd Isa and the Singapore side by Foreign Affairs
Permanent Secretary Peter Ho.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to honour and abide by the ICJ's
judgment and fully implement its decision by continuing the discussions pursuant
to the Second Malaysia-Singapore Joint Technical Committee (MSJTC) Meeting held
in Putrajaya on Aug 20 last year.

On May 23 last year, following a long dispute between the two countries over
the rocky outcrops, the ICJ in The Hague ruled that Pulau Batu Puteh belonged to
Singapore and Middle Rocks belonged to Malaysia, while no ruling was made on
South Ledge.

The statement said the meeting reviewed the work of the Sub-Committee on
Joint Survey Works and agreed that the Sub-Committee should continue to hold
discussions in the following weeks to finalise technical preparations relating
to the Joint Hydrographic Survey.'

The meeting also reviewed the work of the Sub-Committees on Maritime and
Airspace Management and Fisheries.

Both countries also agreed that the next meeting be held in one to two
months in Malaysia.
-- BERNAMA