Colombia pulls out of recognising ICJ

The Colombian government has announced its decision to cease recognising the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice based at The Hague.

The decision comes after the court redrew maritime borders, reducing an expanse of sea that the country claims in favour of Nicaragua.

President Juan Manuel Santos commented,
"The highest national interests demand that territorial and maritime limits are set by agreements as has always been the case in Colombian judicial tradition, and not via rulings uttered by the International Court of Justice,"

"This is the moment for national unity. This is the moment that the country has to unite."

The announcement means that Colombia no longer recognises a 1948 treaty, known as the Bogota Pact, but since the treaty is not retroactive they would still be obliged to respect the court’s decision.

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