Romanian, Ukrainian Presidents Discuss ICJ Decision

"Following the telephone conversation, the two presidents reached the following conclusions: Romania, as well as Ukraine, will observe the Court’s decision regarding the maritime outline in the Black Sea, rendered on February 3, 2009; the two heads of state said both countries are advantaged by the Court’s decision, and observance of this decision creates a suitable environment for the fast and solid development of Romanian-Ukrainian bilateral relations," said a press release issued by the Romanian Presidency.

 

The International Court of Justice in The Hague ruled Tuesday in the dispute between Romania and Ukraine on maritime delimitation in the Black Sea and established a single boundary delimiting the continental shelf and exclusive economic zones of each country.

 

Romania’s agent with the Court, Bogdan Aurescu, said the ruling grants Romania 9700 square kilometers of exclusive economic zone, accounting for 79.34% of the disputed surface.

 

"The decision the Court read today recognizes Romania’s sovereign jurisdiction and sovereign rights for a continental shelf and exclusive economic zone of 9,700 square kilometers, that is 79.34% of the disputed area,” Aurescu said.

 

The area contains about 70 billion cubic meters of gas and 12 million tons of oil, he added.