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Pedra Branca Hearings Concluded: Judgment Expected in September 2008 
Posted on Saturday, November 24, 2007 - 01:00 AM

The hearing concerns Singapore's and Malaysia's dispute over Pedra Branca, or Pulau Batu Puteh. It took place at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands. The dispute arose when Malaysia published its new map in 1979 of its territories which included Pedra Branca. Singapore disagreed claiming that it owns the island.

Singapore, which opened the oral arguments, stated that the islands were 'no man's land' before 1845, until the British went there to build the Horsburgh Lighthouse. In further support of its claim, Singapore also argued that by a 1953 letter from the Johor Acting State Secretary, Johor had disclaimed any title to the islands.

The judgment of the 16 judge court is expected in September 2008. Both Malaysia and Singapore are confident of their cases. More importantly, both governments have also stated that the outcome will not jeopardise bilateral relationships.