Bar council to study Chagos dispute from legal standpoint
The Bar Council decided to look into the matter after a member of the council filed a complaint seeking disclosure of the council's opinion on the matter.
By
Aminath Shifleen
Bar Council has decided to review the decision of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) on the delimitation of territorial waters between the Maldives and Chagos.
The International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) on April 28 sided with the Maldives in the dispute with Mauritius surrounding the delimitation of the maritime boundary of the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) of the Maldives and the Chagos archipelago, awarding a bigger portion to the Maldives.
ITLOS noted that the size of the relevant area is calculated to be approximately 92,563 sqkm. The delimitation line allocates to Mauritius 45,331 sqkm and to the Maldives 47,232 sqkm.
ITLOS’ decision has been criticised by opposition politicians in the country, saying it will not be accepted.
In a statement, Bar Council said on Monday:
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ITLOS' decision on delimitation of territorial waters between Maldives and Chagos is a matter of national importance
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It is the duty of the council under the Maldives Legal Profession Act to disclose its views and information on legal and constitutional issues relating to public interest
The council decided to look into the matter after a member filed a motion seeking disclosure of the council's opinion on the matter.
In response to this:
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The executive committee of the council has decided to accept the request
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The matter has been referred to the Law Reform and Research Committee of the council for further study
ITLOS’ decision has led to a coalition of former ministers and attorney generals, in addition to some political parties, in support of the opposition's claim that part of the southern economic zone has been let go.
The coalition has been carrying out various activities and a no-confidence motion has been moved against Attorney General Ibrahim Riffath.
