31/03/2014
Citing national interest and seeking a just and durable solution grounded on international law, the Philippines submitted yesterday a 4,000-page memorial or written argument to the United Nations arbitral tribunal hearing its case against China for the latter’s excessive claims in the South China Sea.
The Philippines submitted electronically its memorial to the registrar of the tribunal based in The Hague at 9:37 a.m. (Manila time).
Copies were also sent to each arbitrator – the Chinese ambassador in the Netherlands and the Chinese chargé d’affaires in Manila.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said the memorial, consisting of 10 volumes, presents the Philippines’ case on the jurisdiction of the arbitral tribunal and the merits of the country’s claims.
The Philippines did not disclose whether harassment of Philippine fishing vessels by the Chinese coast guard on Co May and Scarborough Shoals was included in the memorial.
Del Rosario said the Philippines is obliged to preserve confidentiality.
Read more at PhilStar
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