UN's Highest Court -International Court of Justice at The Hague Redraws Maritime Boundary Between Peru and Chile

The UN's Highest Court -International Court of Justice at The Hague has redrawn the maritime boundary between Peru and Chile after an acrimonious dispute between the two neighbours.

Judges at The Hague awarded Peru parts of the Pacific Ocean but kept rich fishing grounds in Chilean hands.

At stake were 38,000 square kilometres (14,670 square miles) of ocean and some of the world's richest fishing grounds.

In 2008, Peru asked the International Court of Justice to rule on the matter, saying the border was not legally set.

In its non-binding ruling, the UN court gave Peru around 20,000 square kilometres (7,700 square miles) and control over a further 28,000 square kilometres (10,800 square miles) of ocean currently in international waters.

It also said that the maritime border should start from the same point on the coastline as it does now.
Peru wanted the boundary to extend roughly south-west, perpendicular to the point where the two countries' land border meets the ocean.


But Chile insisted it should extend from the coast parallel to the equator. It cited treaties agreed in 1952 and 1954 which it said had settled the maritime boundary on that basis.

Both countries have pledged to abide by The Hague ruling

Chilean President-elect Michelle Bachelet said she "regretted" what she called a "painful loss" for her country, but promised she would work to "implement the ruling gradually"

Peruvian President, Ollanta Humala, said "Peru is pleased with the outcome" of the court decision, and would "take the required actions and measures immediately for its prompt implementation"