Application for interpretation

Document Number
170-20170630-APP-01-00-EN
Document Type
Date of the Document
Document File
Bilingual Document File

INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE
APPLICATION
INSTITUTING PROCEEDINGS
filed in the Registry of the Court
on 30 June 2017
REQUEST FOR INTERPRETATION
OF THE JUDGMENT OF 23 MAY 2008
IN THE CASE CONCERNING SOVEREIGNTY
OVER PEDRA BRANCA/PULAU BATU PUTEH,
MIDDLE ROCKS AND SOUTH LEDGE
(MALAYSIA/SINGAPORE)
(MALAYSIA v. SINGAPORE)
COUR INTERNATIONALE DE JUSTICE
REQUÊTE
INTRODUCTIVE D’INSTANCE
enregistrée au Greffe de la Cour
le 30 juin 2017
DEMANDE EN INTERPRÉTATION
DE L’ARRÊT DU 23 MAI 2008
EN L’AFFAIRE RELATIVE À LA SOUVERAINETÉ
SUR PEDRA BRANCA/PULAU BATU PUTEH,
MIDDLE ROCKS ET SOUTH LEDGE
(MALAISIE/SINGAPOUR)
(MALAISIE c. SINGAPOUR)
2
2017
General List
No. 170
I. THE AMBASSADOR OF MALAYSIA TO THE KINGDOM
OF THE NETHERLANDS TO THE REGISTRAR
OF THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE
30 June 2017.
The Embassy of Malaysia presents its compliments to the International Court of
Justice and has the honour to refer to the case concerning the Sovereignty over
Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge (Malaysia/Singapore).
I, in my capacity as the Ambassador of Malaysia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands,
do hereby submit on behalf of Malaysia an Application for interpretation of
the Judgment of 23 May 2008 in the case concerning the Sovereignty over Pedra
Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge (Malaysia/Singapore)
for the consideration of the International Court of Justice.
In accordance with the respective Rules and practices of the Court, I forward
herewith two (2) signed original copies of the said Application, 30 additional copies
and electronic USB in PDF format, for the Court’s consideration and necessary
action.
The Embassy of Malaysia avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the International
Court of Justice the assurances of its highest consideration.
(Signed) Ahmad Nazri Yusof.
4
II. APPLICATION INSTITUTING PROCEEDINGS
table of contents
Page
I. Summary of the Application. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
II. Statement of the facts leading to the present dispute . . . . . . . . . . . 8
A. Failure of bilateral attempts at implementation . . . . . . . . . . . 8
B. Diplomatic incidents and official protests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
C. Need for clarification by the Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
III. Jurisdiction and admissibility of the Application for interpretation . . . 20
A. Jurisdiction of the Court under Article 60 of the Statute . . . . . . 20
(i) Conditions for the Court’s jurisdiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
(ii) Existence of a dispute as to the meaning or scope of an operative
part of the judgment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
(a) Waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh. . . . 26
(b) Sovereignty over South Ledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
B. Admissibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
IV. Interpretation requested from the Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
List of Annexes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
6
I. Summary of the Application
1. On 24 July 2003, the Governments of Malaysia and Singapore (hereinafter
“Malaysia” and “Singapore”, respectively) jointly initiated proceedings before the
International Court of Justice (ICJ) by submission of a Special Agreement dated
6 February 2003. Article 2 of the Special Agreement provided :
“The Court is requested to determine whether sovereignty over :
(a) Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh;
(b) Middle Rocks ;
(c) South Ledge,
belongs to Malaysia or the Republic of Singapore.”
2. On 23 May 2008, the Court delivered its Judgment in Sovereignty over
Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge (Malaysia/Singapore)
(hereinafter “the 2008 Judgment”). The Court determined that Singapore
had acquired sovereignty over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh from Malaysia,
while Malaysia retained sovereignty over Middle Rocks as the successor to the
Sultan of Johor. In respect of South Ledge, the Court pronounced that “sovereignty
over South Ledge belongs to the State in the territorial waters of which it is
located” 1.
3. As soon as the 2008 Judgment was handed down, the Parties expressed their
shared commitment to work together towards the full implementation of the
Court’s 2008 Judgment. In this context, and taking advantage of the spirit of goodwill
and friendship which unites them, the Parties created a joint committee, the
Malaysia-Singapore Joint Technical Committee, to facilitate their co-operation in
implementing the 2008 Judgment (see further paragraph 8). Among the tasks
which this committee was expected to address was the delimitation of the maritime
boundaries between the territorial waters of Malaysia and Singapore. Unfortunately,
the Joint Technical Committee has failed to achieve its stated aims. No
activity has taken place since November 2013.
4. One reason for this impasse is that the Parties have been unable to agree over
the meaning of the 2008 Judgment as it concerns South Ledge and the waters surrounding
Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh. Throughout the post-Judgment period,
both Malaysia and Singapore have issued a large number of official protests in
respect of incidents alleged to have taken place on, over and around South Ledge,
as well as in the disputed waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh and
the airspace above these waters.
5. In this context, Malaysia has taken the view that it has become necessary to
request interpretation of those parts of the 2008 Judgment over which the Parties
cannot agree. The Parties have been unable to agree on the meaning and/or scope
of the following two points of the 2008 Judgment :
(1) the Court’s finding that “sovereignty over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh
belongs to Singapore”, and
(2) the Court’s finding that “sovereignty over South Ledge belongs to the State in
the territorial waters of which it is located”.
6. By submitting this Application, Malaysia respectfully requests the Court to
render an authoritative and binding interpretation of the meaning of its 2008 Judgment
in respect of the waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh and
sovereignty over South Ledge.
1 Sovereignty over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge
(Malaysia/Singapore), Judgment, I.C.J. Reports 2008, pp. 101-102, para. 300.
8
7. Malaysia notes that on 2 February 2017 it filed an Application for revision of
part of the 2008 Judgment in accordance with Article 61 of the Statute of the
Court. Through that Application, Malaysia is asking for revision of the finding
that sovereignty over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh belongs to Singapore.
Malaysia underlines that the present Application for interpretation, which is made
in accordance with Article 60 of the Statute of the Court, is separate and autonomous
from the current revision proceedings before the Court, even if the two
proceedings are necessarily closely related.
II. Statement of the Facts Leading to the Present Dispute
A. Failure of Bilateral Attempts at Implementation
8. Following the Judgment of 23 May 2008, Malaysia and Singapore established
(on 3 June 2008) the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Technical Committee on the
Implementation of the International Court of Justice Judgment on Pedra Branca,
Middle Rocks and South Ledge (hereinafter “MSJTC”). The MSJTC was established
with two primary purposes : to “discuss all preparatory issues leading to
bilateral maritime boundary negotiations”, and to “address all other matters arising
or related to the implementation of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)
Judgment, including but not limited to fisheries and maritime and air space
management” 2.
9. At the same time, the Parties also established the Sub-Committee on the Joint
Survey Works in and around Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks and South Ledge.
According to the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Parties on
30 November 2010, the task of the Sub-Committee was to undertake jointly a
hydrographic survey “to determine the low-water mark of the features and low-tide
elevations [in the survey area], in order to prepare for eventual talks on maritime
issues in and around Pedra Branca and Middle Rocks”. In that same Memorandum
of Understanding, the Parties agreed that the joint survey works were undertaken
without prejudice to the question of delimitation of boundaries between the
Parties or to the maritime or territorial claims made by either party 3. According to
the Scope of Works, which was annexed to the Memorandum of Understanding,
the joint survey was to be carried out in an area surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau
Batu Puteh and Middle Rocks. The survey area is depicted in Figure B, which is an
extract from the Scope of Works document. The map shows that the survey area
did not extend to include South Ledge or its surrounding waters. As a result, no
hydrographic data concerning the South Ledge low-tide elevation was collected by
the joint survey works. The Report of the Joint Hydrographic Survey was endorsed
by the MSJTC at its Sixth Meeting on 23 February 2012, and the Sub-Committee
on the Joint Survey Works, having successfully completed its work, was dissolved
by the agreement of the MSJTC.
10. At the Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat on 19 February 2013 — by
which stage the Governments of both States had made numerous official protests
in respect of incidents occurring in the disputed waters surrounding Pedra Branca/
Pulau Batu Puteh and with regard to South Ledge — the Prime Ministers of
Malaysia and Singapore agreed that, following the completion of the Joint Survey
Works, “the next step would be for the MSJTC to move into the delimitation of
2 Terms of Reference of the Malaysia- Singapore Joint Technical Committee (Ann. 1).
3 Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Malaysia and the
Government of the Republic of Singapore with regard to the Joint Hydrographic Survey in
and around Pedra Branca and Middle Rocks, Art. 2 (Ann. 2).
10
maritime boundaries” 4. The MSJTC took note of the Prime Ministers’ statement
at its Seventh Meeting on 29 November 2013 and agreed to set up a new
sub- committee for this purpose. However, there has been no progress towards the
establishment of the sub- committee concerning the maritime boundary delimitation
: the Parties have not even been able to agree upon the name of the new
sub- committee, let alone proceed to discuss any substantive issues related to the
delimitation of the maritime boundaries in the area. The Malaysian delegation has
proposed naming the new sub- committee “the Sub-Committee on Maritime
Boundary Delimitation between Pedra Branca and Middle Rocks”, whereas
Singapore has recommended the name “the Sub-Committee on Maritime
Boundary Delimitation in the area around Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks and
South Ledge”.
11. There are further signs that the bilateral mechanism established by Malaysia
and Singapore to implement the 2008 Judgment has reached an impasse. Above
all, the MSJTC has never reconvened since its Seventh Meeting in November 2013,
despite the fact that the Parties stated an intention to hold the Eighth Meeting of
the MSJTC in 2014. Furthermore, at the 2014 Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’
Retreat on 7 April 2014, the Prime Ministers of both Malaysia and Singapore
welcomed the decision of the MSJTC to establish a new sub- committee for the
purpose of managing the delimitation of maritime boundaries, but no substantive
steps were taken. Indeed, no further steps at all towards maritime boundary delimitation
have been taken by the two sides. There is deadlock. The last official communication
between the two States on this topic of maritime boundary delimitation
was a diplomatic Note sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia to
the High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur dated
27 April 2014, which enclosed the draft Minutes of the Seventh Meeting of the
MSJTC as prepared and proposed by Malaysia 5. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the
question of maritime boundaries in the area encompassing the three features
(Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge) have stalled.
Following the most recent Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat in December
2016, the joint statement of the Prime Ministers made no mention of the
MSJTC, maritime boundary delimitation, or the implementation of the 2008 Judgment
6. This omission represents a departure from the previous practice at the
Leaders’ Retreats, and provides further indication that the established bilateral
mechanism for addressing all issues relating to the implementation of the
2008 Judgment is incapable of making progress.
B. Diplomatic Incidents and Official Protests
12. While Malaysia and Singapore have attempted to implement the 2008 Judgment
through co-operative processes, there has been ongoing disagreement between
4 Joint Statement by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Prime Minister Dato’ Sri
Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak at the Singapore- Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat in Singapore
on 19 February 2013 (Ann. 3).
5 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur, EC 68/2014 dated 27 April 2014 (Ann. 4).
6 Joint Statement by Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak and
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Malaysia- Singapore Leaders’ Retreat in Putrajaya,
Malaysia on 7 April 2014 (Ann. 5).
12
the Parties throughout the post-Judgment period on two issues : the status of South
Ledge, and the status of the waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh.
13. The first formal protest in the post-Judgment period was made by Singapore
on 23 August 2008, when it accused Malaysia of acting in disregard of the
2008 Judgment by unilaterally landing four persons on South Ledge to set up
equipment there. By diplomatic Note Singapore called on Malaysia to refrain from
conducting any other activities on South Ledge until the status of the feature was
determined through a process of maritime boundary delimitation between the two
States 7. Malaysia rejected Singapore’s contention, and affirmed strongly that
South Ledge, as a low-tide elevation, is clearly located within the territorial waters
of Malaysia, since it lies 7.9 nautical miles from the mainland of Johor and only
1.7 nautical miles from Middle Rocks. Moreover, Malaysia reiterated that South
Ledge has always been part of the territory of Johor, and so Malaysia has sovereignty
over South Ledge 8.
14. From 2009 onwards, Malaysia has persistently objected to activity by Singaporean
aircraft, vessels or Government which is inconsistent with Malaysia’s
sovereignty over its territorial waters and airspace. These protests have been made
on at least 76 occasions, and have been directed at three types of activity : incursions
into Malaysian territorial waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu
Puteh and South Ledge by Singapore Government vessels without the consent of
the Malaysian Government ; incursions into Malaysian airspace above the territorial
waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh and above South Ledge
and its surrounding waters by Singapore Government aircraft ; and exercises of
authority by the Government of Singapore within Malaysia’s airspace, over its
territory and waters around Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh.
15. In no fewer than 54 diplomatic Notes 9, Malaysia has reminded Singapore
that the waters around Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh are within Malaysia’s ter-
7 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore to the
High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/SEA/00025/2008, dated 23 August 2008
(Ann. 6).
8 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur, EC52/2008, dated 29 October 2008
(Ann. 7).
9 Notes Verbales from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur: EC54/2008, dated 29 October 2008
(Ann. 8); EC22/2009, dated 12 March 2009 (Ann. 9); EC30/2009, dated 2 April 2009
(Ann. 10); EC73/2009, dated 3 July 2009 (Ann. 11); EC75/2009, dated 3 July 2009 (Ann. 12);
EC115/2009, dated 7 October 2009 (Ann. 13); EC116/2009, dated 7 October 2009 (Ann. 14);
EC117/2009, dated 7 October 2009 (Ann. 15); EC118/2009, dated 7 October 2009 (Ann. 16);
EC119/2009, dated 7 October 2009 (Ann. 17); EC88/2010, dated 15 June 2010 (Ann. 18);
EC89/2010, dated 15 June 2010 (Ann. 19); EC90/2010, dated 15 June 2010 (Ann. 20);
EC91/2010, dated 15 June 2010 (Ann. 21); EC92/2010, dated 15 June 2010 (Ann. 22);
EC93/2010, dated 15 June 2010 (Ann. 23); EC141/2010, dated 22 September 2010 (Ann. 24);
EC142/2010, dated 22 September 2010 (Ann. 25); EC143/2010, dated 22 September 2010
(Ann. 26); EC144/2010, dated 22 September 2010 (Ann. 27); EC145/2010, dated
22 September 2010 (Ann. 28); EC169/2010, dated 1 November 2010 (Ann. 29); EC177/2010,
dated 18 November 2010 (Ann. 30); EC193/2010, dated 8 December 2010 (Ann. 31);
EC99/2011, dated 29 June 2011 (Ann. 32); EC14/2012, dated 14 February 2012 (Ann. 33);
EC15/2012, dated 14 February 2012 (Ann. 34); EC64/2012, dated 17 April 2012 (Ann. 35);
EC65/2012, dated 17 April 2012 (Ann. 36); EC103/2012, dated 2 July 2012 (Ann. 37);
EC28/2014, dated 17 February 2014 (Ann. 38); EC29/2014, dated 18 February 2014
(Ann. 39); EC30/2014, dated 19 February 2014 (Ann. 40); EC35/2014, dated 20 February
2014 (Ann. 41); EC36/2014, dated 21 February 2014 (Ann. 42); EC37/2014, dated
24 February 2014 (Ann. 43); EC38/2014, dated 25 February 2014 (Ann. 44); EC39/2014,
14
ritorial waters, and that the airspace above those waters is part of Malaysia’s airspace.
Malaysia usually states its position with respect to sovereignty over the
waters around Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh in the following terms: “The Ministry
wishes also to remind the Government of the Republic of Singapore that the
airspace over the waters around Pedra Branca, which is located within the territorial
waters of Malaysia is part of Malaysia’s airspace, in accordance with the principles
of international law as well as the Judgment of the ICJ” 10. Malaysia’s most
recent protest against activities undertaken by Singapore’s agencies within Malaysia’s
territorial waters in the vicinity of Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh was lodged
on 8 June 2017, when Malaysia pointed out to Singapore that actions by the Maritime
and Port Authority of Singapore in relation to a boat capsized 9.3 nautical
miles from the coast of Johor were activities undertaken “clearly within Malaysia’s
territorial waters which violate Malaysia’s sovereignty, jurisdiction and territorial
integrity under the relevant principles of international law, in particular the provisions
of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS
1982)” 11.
16. Similarly, in no fewer than 22 diplomatic Notes 12, Malaysia has reminded
Singapore that the airspace above South Ledge is part of Malaysia’s airspace foldated
26 February 2014 (Ann. 45); EC40/2014, dated 27 February 2014 (Ann. 46);
EC41/2014, dated 28 February 2014 (Ann. 47); EC44/2014, dated 3 March 2014 (Ann. 48);
EC45/2014, dated 4 March 2014 (Ann. 49); EC46/2014, dated 4 March 2014 (Ann. 50);
EC47/2014, dated 6 March 2014 (Ann. 51); EC48/2014, dated 7 March 2014 (Ann. 52);
EC51/2014, dated 10 March 2014 (Ann. 53); EC52/2014, dated 11 March 2014 (Ann. 54);
EC53/2014, dated 12 March 2014 (Ann. 55); EC54/2014, dated 13 March 2014 (Ann. 56);
EC58/2014, dated 14 March 2014 (Ann. 57); EC75/2014, dated 3 April 2014 (Ann. 58);
EC150/2014, dated 31 December 2014 (Ann. 59); EC151/2014, dated 31 December 2014
(Ann. 60); EC71/16, dated 28 June 2016 (Ann. 61).
10 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur, EC103/2012, dated 2 July 2012 (Ann. 37).
11 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur, EC63/17, dated 8 June 2017 (Ann. 62).
12 Notes Verbales from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur: EC22/2009, dated 12 March 2009
(Ann. 9); EC30/2009, dated 2 April 2009 (Ann. 10); EC73/2009, dated 3 July 2009 (Ann. 11);
EC75/2009, dated 3 July 2009 (Ann. 12); EC117/2009, dated 7 October 2009 (Ann. 15);
EC118/2009, dated 7 October 2009 (Ann. 16); EC119/2009, dated 7 October 2009 (Ann. 17);
EC88/2010, dated 15 June 2010 (Ann. 18); EC89/2010, dated 15 June 2010 (Ann. 19);
EC90/2010, dated 15 June 2010 (Ann. 20); EC91/2010, dated 15 June 2010 (Ann. 21);
EC92/2010, dated 15 June 2010 (Ann. 22); EC93/2010, dated 15 June 2010 (Ann. 23);
EC141/2010, dated 22 September 2010 (Ann. 24); EC142/2010, dated 22 September 2010
(Ann. 25); EC143/2010, dated 22 September 2010 (Ann. 26); EC144/2010, dated 22 September
2010 (Ann. 27); EC145/2010, dated 22 September 2010 (Ann. 28); EC169/2010,
dated 1 November 2010 (Ann. 29); EC177/2010, dated 18 November 2010 (Ann. 30); EC193/
2010, dated 8 December 2010 (Ann. 31); EC99/2011, dated 29 June 2011 (Ann. 32).
16
lowing the 2008 Judgment, since the Judgment affirms that Malaysia has sovereignty
over Middle Rocks and further states that sovereignty over South Ledge, as
a low-tide elevation, belongs to the State in the territorial waters of which it is
located. Malaysia has consistently stated (in these terms, or words to similar effect) :
“As Tubir Selatan/South Ledge is 7.9 nautical miles from the mainland of
Johor and 1.7 nautical miles from Batuan Tengah/Middle Rocks, it is clearly
located within the territorial waters of Malaysia. It naturally follows that sovereignty
over Tubir Selatan/South Ledge belongs to Malaysia in accordance
with the Judgment of the ICJ.” 13
Malaysia gave its most recent restatement of its view that, on a true interpretation
of the 2008 Judgment, South Ledge falls within the territorial waters of Malaysia
and is thus subject to the sovereignty of Malaysia, on 20 April 2017 14.
17. Throughout this period, Singapore has lodged many protests of its own
against Malaysia’s actions in the waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu
Puteh, and over and around South Ledge. In a series of diplomatic Notes spanning
the period from March 2010 to December 2016, Singapore contended that Malaysian
naval and law enforcement vessels intruded into the territorial waters of Singapore
surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh and that Malaysian military
and law enforcement aircraft intruded into Singapore’s airspace around
Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh. Singapore’s diplomatic Notes frequently state the
Government’s opposition to these activities in these terms :
“The Singapore Government strongly protests these incidents, which not
only infringe Singapore’s sovereignty rights over the waters and airspace
around Pedra Branca, but also go against the spirit of the Malaysia-Singapore
Joint Technical Committee, in particular the mutual agreement between
Malaysia and Singapore to honour and abide by the International Court of
Justice (ICJ) Judgment of 23 May 2008, wherein the ICJ affirmed that sovereignty
over Pedra Branca belongs to Singapore, as well as the mutual agreement
to co-operate to maintain a calm situation on the ground and prevent
incidents in the waters around Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks and South
Ledge.” 15
18. Singapore has also protested numerous times against the designation by
Malaysia of a dumping ground in the waters lying off the southern part of eastern
Johor, on the basis that Singapore considers the dumping grounds to encroach
13 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur, EC30/2009, dated 2 April 2009 (Ann. 10).
14 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur, EC46/17, dated 20 April 2017 (Ann. 63).
15 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore to the
High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/SEA/00047/2011, dated 17 November
2011 (Ann. 64).
18
into the territorial waters of Singapore 16. Malaysia has stated its categorical rejection
of Singapore’s contention that the waters surrounding Pedra Branca are part
of Singapore’s territorial waters in no fewer than 28 diplomatic Notes 17.
19. In relation to South Ledge, Singapore has repeatedly contended that Malaysia
has, by sending military and law enforcement aircraft to fly over and around
South Ledge, acted in disregard of the 2008 Judgment and in a manner which is
inconsistent with the Parties’ mutual agreement to honour and abide by that Judgment
18. Moreover, Singapore explicitly rejected Malaysia’s claim to sovereignty
over Middle Rocks, maintaining instead that the status of South Ledge can only be
determined through the process of maritime boundary delimitation between the
two countries 19. Singapore called upon Malaysia to refrain from conducting any
further activities on South Ledge until such time as the delimitation of the mari-
16 Notes Verbales from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore to
the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore: MFA/SEA/00022/2009 dated 28 May 2009
(Ann. 65); MFA/SEA1/00012/2016 dated 27 April 2016 (Ann. 66); MFA/SEA1/00012/2016,
dated 13 May 2016 (Ann. 67); MFA/SEA1/00012/2016, dated 11 August 2016 (Ann. 68);
MFA/SEA1/00048/2016, dated 19 December 2016 (Ann. 69); MFA/SEA1/00011/2017 dated
8 February 2017 (Ann. 70).
17 Notes Verbales from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur: EC72/2009, dated 3 July 2009 (Ann. 71);
EC161/2010, dated 1 November 2010 (Ann. 72); EC164/2010, dated 1 November 2010
(Ann. 73); EC167/2010, dated 1 November 2010 (Ann. 74); EC168/2010, dated
1 November 2010 (Ann. 75); EC60/2011, dated 19 April 2011 (Ann. 76); EC61/2011, dated
19 April 2011 (Ann. 77); EC107/2011, dated 8 July 2011 (Ann. 78); EC122/2011, dated
22 August 2011 (Ann. 79); EC124/2011, dated 22 August 2011 (Ann. 80); EC145/2011, dated
30 September 2011 (Ann. 81); EC146/2011, dated 30 September 2011 (Ann. 82); EC18/2012,
dated 14 February 2012 (Ann. 83); EC30/2012, dated 17 February 2012 (Ann. 84);
EC31/2012, dated 17 February 2012 (Ann. 85); EC69/2012, dated 24 April 2012 (Ann. 86);
EC70/2012, dated 9 May 2012 (Ann. 87); EC81/2012, dated 9 May 2012 (Ann. 88);
EC88/2012, dated 1 June 2012 (Ann. 89); EC90/2012, dated 6 June 2012 (Ann. 90); EC7/2014,
dated 27 January 2014 (Ann. 91); EC9/2014, dated 28 January 2014 (Ann. 92); EC11/2014,
dated 29 January 2014 (Ann. 93); EC14/2014, dated 30 January 2014 (Ann. 94); EC17/2014,
dated 4 February 2014 (Ann. 95); EC18/2014, dated 5 February 2014 (Ann. 96); EC22/2014,
dated 7 February 2014 (Ann. 97); EC144/16, dated 24 November 2016 (Ann. 98).
18 Notes Verbales from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore to
the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/SEA/00003/2010 (I), dated 11 February
2011 (Ann. 99); MFA/SEA/00005/2010, dated 11 February 2011 (Ann. 100); MFA/
SEA/00005/2010 (4A), dated 30 March 2010 (Ann. 101); MFA/SEA/00008/2010, dated
31 May 2010 (Ann. 102); MFA/SEA/00012/2010, dated 15 June 2010 (Ann. 103); MFA/
SEA/00035/2010, dated 19 August 2010 (Ann. 104); MFA/SEA/00010/2011, dated 29 April
2011 (Ann. 105); MFA/SEA/00013/2011, dated 15 July 2011 (Ann. 106); MFA/
SEA/00036/2011, dated 6 September 2011 (Ann. 107); MFA/SEA1/00001/2012, dated 2 May
2012 (Ann. 108); MFA/SEA1/00006/2012, dated 28 May 2012 (Ann. 109); MFA/
SEA1/00019/2012, dated 24 August 2012 (Ann. 110); MFA/SEA1/00022/2012, dated
11 September 2012 (Ann. 111); MFA/SEA1/00027/2012, dated 1 November 2012 (Ann. 112);
MFA/SEA1/00002/2013, dated 11 January 2013 (Ann. 113); MFA/SEA1/00026/2013, dated
3 June 2013 (Ann. 114); MFA/SEA1/00046/2013, dated 18 June 2013 (Ann. 115); MFA/
SEA1/00074/2013, dated 4 November 2013 (Ann. 116); MFA/SEA/00002/2014, dated
7 January 2014 (Ann. 117); MFA/SEA1/00042/2014, dated 22 July 2014 (Ann. 118); MFA/
SEA/00041/2016, dated 30 September 2016 (Ann. 119).
19 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore to the
High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/SEA/00003/2010, dated 30 March 2010
(Ann. 120).
20
time boundaries has been completed. Malaysia responded to these Notes of protest
by reiterating repeatedly that all activities undertaken by Malaysia in its territory,
including activities pertaining to and surrounding the airspace above South Ledge,
are legitimate exercises of its sovereignty and jurisdiction. On that basis, Malaysia
has stated consistently its intention to continue employing government vessels and
aircraft to patrol and conduct activities in the maritime areas and airspace of
Malaysia, including the area over and around South Ledge 20. As recently as
20 April 2017, Malaysia has requested that Singapore act in accordance with
Malaysia’s determination that, on a true interpretation of the 2008 Judgment, sovereignty
over South Ledge belongs to Malaysia. Malaysia also reiterated its willingness
to discuss with Singapore the question of the delimitation of the relevant
maritime areas 21.
C. Need for Clarification by the Court
20. Malaysia and Singapore established the MSJTC in an effort to settle the
outstanding issues relating to the implementation of the 2008 Judgment on a
co-operative, bilateral basis. These efforts have, however, proven unsuccessful on
the issues of the status of South Ledge and the delimitation of the maritime boundaries
in the area around Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South
Ledge. The Parties remain deadlocked as to the true meaning of the Court’s
2008 Judgment as it concerns South Ledge and the waters surrounding Pedra
Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh. The ongoing uncertainty as to which State is sovereign
over South Ledge and the airspace and maritime spaces over and around both
South Ledge and Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh continues to complicate the task
of ensuring orderly and peaceful relations. Given the high volume of aerial and
maritime traffic in the area, the need to achieve a viable solution to this dispute is
pressing. Malaysia now seeks to obtain clarification from the Court of the meaning
of its 2008 Judgment.
III. Jurisdiction and Admissibility of the Application for Interpretation
21. Before the Court may provide an interpretation of a judgment it has rendered,
it must be satisfied that it has jurisdiction over the request for interpretation
and that the request is admissible. Malaysia will briefly demonstrate that this
request for an interpretation of the 2008 Judgment fulfils the conditions for jurisdiction
and admissibility.
A. Jurisdiction of the Court under Article 60 of the Statute
(i) Conditions for the Court’s jurisdiction
22. Article 60 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice provides: “The
judgment is final and without appeal. In the event of dispute as to the meaning or
scope of the judgment, the Court shall construe it upon the request of any party.”
20 For example, Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur, ECC177/2010, dated
18 November 2010 (Ann. 30).
21 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur, EC46/17, dated 20 April 2017 (Ann. 63).
22
23. Article 60 is supplemented by Article 98 of the Rules of Court, which states :
“1. In the event of dispute as to the meaning or scope of a judgment any party
may make a request for its interpretation, whether the original proceedings
were begun by an application or by the notification of a special agreement.
“2. A request for the interpretation of a judgment may be made either by an
application or by the notification of a special agreement to that effect between
the parties ; the precise point or points in dispute as to the meaning or scope
of the judgment shall be indicated.”
24. In view of these provisions, and the settled jurisprudence of the Court, the
Court’s jurisdiction to interpret its own judgments is contingent upon satisfaction
of two conditions : that a dispute exists between the parties, and that the
subject-matter of this dispute concerns the meaning or scope of the operative
part of the judgment. Malaysia will demonstrate briefly how these conditions are
met in the present Application and will show that the Court does enjoy jurisdiction
to respond to this request for an interpretation of the 2008 Judgment.
25. The requirement for the existence of a dispute between the parties as to the
meaning or scope of a judgment has been recalled consistently by the Court 22. In
the most recent proceedings concerning a request for interpretation, Request for
Interpretation of the Judgment of 15 June 1962 in the Case concerning the Temple of
Preah Vihear (Cambodia v. Thailand) (Cambodia v. Thailand), the Court noted
that “by virtue of Article 60 of the Statute, [the Court] may entertain a request for
interpretation provided that there is a ‘dispute as to the meaning or scope’ of any
judgment rendered by it” 23.
26. According to the most commonly cited definitions, a legal dispute exists
between two States when there is “a disagreement on a point of law or fact, a conflict
of legal views or of interests between two persons” 24, or when “the claim of
one party is positively opposed by the other” 25. While these definitions are certainly
satisfied in the present case, given the numerous and frequent official protests
which have been exchanged between the two Parties on the question of the
22 Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 20 November 1950 in the Asylum Case
(Colombia v. Peru), Judgment, I.C.J. Reports 1950, p. 402; Application for Revision and
Interpretation of the Judgment of 24 February 1982 in the Case concerning the Continental
Shelf (Tunisia/Libyan Arab Jamahiriya) (Tunisia v. Libyan Arab Jamahiriya), Judgment,
I.C.J. Reports 1985, pp. 216-217, para. 44; Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of
11 June 1998 in the Case concerning the Land and Maritime Boundary between Cameroon
and Nigeria (Cameroon v. Nigeria), Preliminary Objections (Nigeria v. Cameroon), Judgment,
I.C.J. Reports 1999 (I), p. 36, para. 12; Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of
31 March 2004 in the Case concerning Avena and Other Mexican Nationals (Mexico v.
United States of America) (Mexico v. United States of America), Judgment, I.C.J. Reports
2009, p. 10, para. 21.)
23 Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 15 June 1962 in the Case concerning the
Temple of Preah Vihear (Cambodia v. Thailand) (Cambodia v. Thailand), Judgment,
I.C.J. Reports 2013, pp. 295-296, para. 32, citing Request for Interpretation of the Judgment
of 15 June 1962 in the Case concerning the Temple of Preah Vihear (Cambodia v. Thailand)
(Cambodia v. Thailand), Provisional Measures, Order of 18 July 2011, I.C.J. Reports
2011 (II), p. 542, para. 21, Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 31 March 2004 in
the Case concerning Avena and Other Mexican Nationals (Mexico v. United States of
America) (Mexico v. United States of America), Provisional Measures, Order of 16 July 2008,
I.C.J. Reports 2008, p. 323, paras. 44 and 46; and Judgment, I.C.J. Reports 2009, p. 9,
paras. 15-16.
24 Mavrommatis Palestine Concessions, Judgment No. 2, 1924, P.C.I.J., Series A, No. 2, p. 11.
25 South West Africa (Ethiopia v. South Africa; Liberia v. South Africa), Preliminary
Objections, Judgment, I.C.J. Reports 1962, p. 328.
24
meaning of the 2008 Judgment’s operative paragraph concerning South Ledge and
the waters around Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, the Court confirmed in the
recent case Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 15 June 1962 in the Case
concerning the Temple of Preah Vihear (Cambodia v. Thailand) (Cambodia v.
Thailand) that a broader definition of dispute is applicable in the specific context
of Article 60 proceedings :
“The Court further recalls that ‘a dispute within the meaning of Article 60
of the Statute must be understood as a difference of opinion or views between
the parties as to the meaning or scope of a judgment rendered by the Court’
(Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 15 June 1962 in the Case concerning
the Temple of Preah Vihear (Cambodia v. Thailand) (Cambodia v.
Thailand), Provisional Measures, Order of 18 July 2011, I.C.J. Reports 2011
(II), p. 542, para. 22) . . . [T]he existence of a dispute under Article 60 of the
Statute does not require the same criteria to be fulfilled as those determining
the existence of a dispute under Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute (ibid. ;
see also Interpretation of Judgments Nos. 7 and 8 (Factory at Chorzów), Judgment
No. 11, 1927, P.C.I.J., Series A, No. 13, pp. 10-12 ; Request for Interpretation
of the Judgment of 31 March 2004 in the Case concerning Avena and
Other Mexican Nationals (Mexico v. United States of America) (Mexico v.
United States of America), Provisional Measures, Order of 16 July 2008,
I.C.J. Reports 2008, p. 325, para. 53).” 26
27. The Court also affirmed in that case that there is no requirement for a dispute
as to the meaning and scope of a judgment under Article 60 to have manifested
itself in a formal way. Quoting the PCIJ decision in Interpretation of Judgments
Nos. 7 and 8 (Factory at Chorzów), the Court explained that “it should be
sufficient if the two Governments have in fact shown themselves as holding opposite
views in regard to the meaning or scope of a judgment of the Court” 27.
28. As for the requirement that the dispute concern the meaning or scope of a
judgment, the Court has indicated that “a dispute within the meaning of Article 60
of the Statute must relate to the operative clause of the judgment in question and
cannot concern the reasons for the judgment except in so far as these are inseparable
from the operative clause” 28. Furthermore, the Court has clarified that “a dif-
26 Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 15 June 1962 in the Case concerning the
Temple of Preah Vihear (Cambodia v. Thailand) (Cambodia v. Thailand), Judgment,
I.C.J. Reports 2013, pp. 295-296, para. 32.
27 Ibid., citing Interpretation of Judgments Nos. 7 and 8 (Factory at Chorzów), Judgment
No. 11, 1927, P.C.I.J., Series A, No. 13, p. 11. See also Application for Revision and Interpretation
of the Judgment of 24 February 1982 in the Case concerning the Continental Shelf
(Tunisia/Libyan Arab Jamahiriya) (Tunisia v. Libyan Arab Jamahiriya), Judgment,
I.C.J. Reports 1985, pp. 217-218, para. 46; Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of
31 March 2004 in the Case concerning Avena and Other Mexican Nationals (Mexico v.
United States of America) (Mexico v. United States of America), Provisional Measures,
Order of 16 July 2008, I.C.J. Reports 2008, pp. 325-326, para. 54.
28 Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 15 June 1962 in the Case concerning the
Temple of Preah Vihear (Cambodia v. Thailand) (Cambodia v. Thailand), Judgment,
I.C.J. Reports 2013, p. 296, para. 34, citing Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of
15 June 1962 in the Case concerning the Temple of Preah Vihear (Cambodia v. Thailand)
(Cambodia v. Thailand), Provisional Measures, Order of 18 July 2011, I.C.J. Reports 2011
(II), p. 542, para. 23; Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 11 June 1998 in the Case
concerning the Land and Maritime Boundary between Cameroon and Nigeria (Cameroon v.
Nigeria), Preliminary Objections (Nigeria v. Cameroon), Judgment, I.C.J. Reports 1999 (I),
p. 35, para. 10; Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 31 March 2004 in the Case
26
ference of opinion as to whether a particular point has or has not been decided
with binding force also constitutes a case which comes within Article 60 of the
Statute” 29.
(ii) Existence of a dispute as to the meaning or scope of an operative part of the
judgment
29. This second condition for the exercise of jurisdiction under Article 60 of the
Statute is fully satisfied by the present Application. There are two precise points in
dispute between the Parties as to the meaning or scope of the 2008 Judgment : the
first point concerns the first part of the operative clause of the Judgment, in which
the Court finds that “sovereignty over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh belongs to
the Republic of Singapore” ; the second point concerns the third part of the operative
clause, in which the Court finds that “sovereignty over South Ledge belongs to
the State in the territorial waters of which it is located”.
(a) Waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh
30. The dispute concerning the meaning or scope of the Court’s finding that
“sovereignty over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh belongs to Singapore” arose
shortly after the delivery of the 2008 Judgment. Singapore, having made official
protests against activities of Malaysian vessels in the waters surrounding Pedra
Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh in the period before the Judgment was handed down,
continued to protest in similar manner as early as 1 September 2008 30.
31. Malaysia promptly opposed the contentions of Singapore that Malaysian
vessels “entered Singapore’s purported territorial waters surrounding Batu Puteh”.
In a diplomatic Note dated 29 October 2008, Malaysia rejected Singapore’s claim
that the waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh are part of Singapore’s
territorial waters.
“The Government of Malaysia also strongly rejects the assertions by
the Republic of Singapore that Malaysia’s alleged activities infringed upon
Singapore’s rights over the waters of Batu Puteh. The waters around Batu
Puteh are part of the territorial waters and maritime areas of Malaysia as
depicted in the Map Defining the Boundaries of the Continental Shelf of
Malaysia of 1979.
In light of the above, the Government of Malaysia strongly affirms that the
maritime areas surrounding Batu Puteh is located within the territorial waters
of Malaysia in accordance with the principles of international law as well as
the Judgment of the International Court of Justice. Malaysia strongly reiterates
that such activities undertaken by Malaysian Government vessels before
concerning Avena and Other Mexican Nationals (Mexico v. United States of America)
(Mexico v. United States of America), Provisional Measures, Order of 16 July 2008,
I.C.J. Reports 2008, p. 323, para. 47.
29 Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 15 June 1962 in the Case concerning the
Temple of Preah Vihear (Cambodia v. Thailand) (Cambodia v. Thailand), Provisional
Measures, Order of 18 July 2011, I.C.J. Reports 2011 (II), p. 544, para. 31.
30 Referred to in Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur, EC53/2008, dated
29 October 2008 (Ann. 121).
28
the judgment of the ICJ were also an exercise of sovereignty and jurisdiction
over its own territorial waters and maritime areas.” 31
32. In the following years, Malaysia has consistently restated its rejection of
Singapore’s contention that the waters surrounding Pedra Branca are part of Singapore’s
territorial waters 32. Malaysia has also indicated its objection in numerous
diplomatic Notes to various activities of Singapore within the airspace and territorial
waters of Malaysia surrounding Pedra Branca. These objections can be
grouped into three categories. First, Malaysia has consistently objected to the
presence of aircraft belonging to Singapore in Malaysia’s airspace off the coast of
the State of Johor. Second, Malaysia has frequently objected to the incursion of
Singapore Government vessels into Malaysia’s territorial waters surrounding
Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh. Third, Malaysia has rejected categorically Singapore’s
designation of a restricted flight area (Restricted Area WSR31) and continuous
issuance of a “Notice to Airmen” (NOT AM) each day covering airspace
extending to a radius of 3 nautical miles around Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh
within Malaysia’s airspace over the waters off the coast of the State of Johor without
prior consent from Malaysia. In this lengthy series of diplomatic Notes,
Malaysia took the opportunity to restate its understanding that the waters around
Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh are within the territorial waters of Malaysia. The
Government reiterated this position in these terms :
“The Government of Malaysia wishes to also remind the Government of
Singapore that the airspace over the waters around Batu Puteh, which is
located within the territorial waters of Malaysia in accordance with the principles
of international law as well as the Judgment of the ICJ, is part of Malaysia’s
airspace.
The Government of Malaysia further reiterates that any and all activities
undertaken by Malaysia in its territory, including activities pertaining to and
31 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur, EC53/2008, dated 29 October 2008
(Ann. 121).
32 Notes Verbales from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur: EC72/2009, dated 3 July 2009 (Ann. 71);
EC161/2010, dated 1 November 2010 (Ann. 72); EC164/2010, dated 1 November 2010
(Ann. 73); EC167/2010, dated 1 November 2010 (Ann. 74); EC168/2010, dated 1 November
2010 (Ann. 75); EC60/2011, dated 19 April 2011 (Ann. 76); EC61/2011, dated 19 April 2011
(Ann. 77); EC107/2011, dated 8 July 2011 (Ann. 78); EC122/2011, dated 22 August 2011
(Ann. 79); EC124/2011, dated 22 August 2011 (Ann. 80); EC145/2011, dated 30 September
2011 (Ann. 81); EC146/2011, dated 30 September 2011 (Ann. 82); EC18/2012, dated
14 February 2012 (Ann. 83); EC30/2012, dated 17 February 2012 (Ann. 84); EC31/2012,
dated 17 February 2012 (Ann. 85); EC69/2012, dated 24 April 2012 (Ann. 86); EC70/2012,
dated 9 May 2012 (Ann. 87); EC81/2012, dated 9 May 2012 (Ann. 88); EC88/2012, dated
1 June 2012 (Ann. 89); EC90/2012, dated 6 June 2012 (Ann. 90); EC7/2014, dated 27 January
2014 (Ann. 91); EC9/2014, dated 28 January 2014 (Ann. 92); EC11/2014, dated 29 January
2014 (Ann. 93); EC14/2014, dated 30 January 2014 (Ann. 94); EC17/2014, dated 4 February
2014 (Ann. 95); EC18/2014, dated 5 February 2014 (Ann. 96); EC22/2014, dated 7 February
2014 (Ann. 97); EC144/16, dated 24 November 2016 (Ann. 98).
30
surrounding the above-mentioned airspace and its maritime areas are legitimate
exercises of its sovereignty and jurisdiction. Malaysian Government
vessels and aircraft have and will continue to patrol and carry out all their
activities in the territorial waters, maritime areas and airspace of Malaysia.” 33
33. Singapore has responded to Malaysia’s diplomatic Notes by rejecting the
position stated by Malaysia that the waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu
Puteh remain within Malaysia’s territorial waters. In 2010, Singapore referred to the
2008 Judgment as the basis for its objection to Malaysia’s activities. In the following
statement, Singapore describes its understanding of the 2008 Judgment, which
stands in marked disagreement with the position clearly stated by Malaysia.
“The Government of Singapore strongly rejects the assertion by the Government
of Malaysia that the waters around Pedra Branca are territorial
waters of Malaysia, as well as the assertion that the airspace over the waters
around Pedra Branca is part of Malaysia’s airspace. The Government of
Singapore reiterates that such assertions are completely baseless. The ICJ in
its Judgment of 23 May 2008 had affirmed that ‘sovereignty over Pedra
Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh belongs to Singapore’ and also spoke of the ‘territorial
waters generated by Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh’. It is incontrovertible
that Singapore’s sovereignty over Pedra Branca clearly extends to
the waters and airspace in and around the island.” 34
34. In 2012, Singapore set forth its disagreement with Malaysia on this point as
follows :
“The Government of Singapore categorically rejects the Government of
Malaysia’s assertion that the Malaysian Marine Department vessel was within
the territorial waters of Malaysia in the stated incident in the aforementioned
Note EC 163/2011. The Government of Singapore also categorically rejects
the Government of Malaysia’s assertion that the Royal Malaysian Navy vessels
were patrolling the territorial waters of Malaysia in the stated incidents in
the aforementioned Note EC 166/2011 and the Government of Malaysia’s
claim that the challenges by the Republic of Singapore Navy vessels and Singapore
Police Coast Guard vessels in the aforementioned incidents were
inconsistent with international law and with the spirit of good neighbourliness
and that of ASEAN solidarity and understanding.” 35
35. In 2013, Singapore issued another protest against alleged intrusions by Malaysian
Government vessels into the waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu
Puteh, and it again set forth its understanding of the meaning and effect of the 2008
Judgment as it concerns the waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Pute :
“The Singapore Government strongly protests these incidents, which not
only infringe Singapore’s sovereign rights over the waters and airspace around
Pedra Branca, but also go against the spirit of the Malaysia-Singapore Joint
33 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur, EC75/2009, dated 3 July 2009 (Ann. 12).
34 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore to the
High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/SEA/00003/2010, dated 30 March 2010
(Ann. 120).
35 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore to the
High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/SEA/00005/2012, dated 14 February 2012
(Ann. 122).
32
Technical Committee, in particular the mutual agreement between Malaysia
and Singapore to honour and abide by the International Court of Justice
(ICJ) Judgment of 23 May 2008, wherein the ICJ affirmed sovereignty over
Pedra Branca belongs to Singapore, as well as the mutual agreement to
co-operate to maintain a calm situation on the ground and prevent incidents
in the waters around Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks and South Ledge.” 36
36. More recently, Singapore has filed official protests against the designation
by the Director of Marine, Southern Region, of the Malaysia Marine Department
of dumping grounds for dredged material in Port Circular No. 05/2016. This circular
provides that “dredged material will be transported via barges and disposed off
[sic] in the dumping ground in Malaysian Territorial Sea off the State of Johor” in
four locations specified by co-ordinates. Singapore has protested that these
co-ordinates, the southernmost of which lies approximately 4.1 nautical miles
north of Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, encroach into the territorial waters
of Singapore 37. Malaysia in turn has rejected Singapore’s allegation that the
dumping ground encroaches into the territorial waters of Singapore and reaffirms
that the co-ordinates listed in the Port Circular are within Malaysian territorial
waters 38.
37. The most recent incident provoking an official protest between the Parties
occurred on 13 March 2017, and was the subject of a diplomatic Note sent by
Malaysia to Singapore on 8 June 2017. Malaysia expressed its strong concern and
strongly protested against interference by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
with the search and rescue operations conducted by the relevant Malaysian
agencies following the capsizing and subsequent sinking of a vessel approximately
9.3 nautical miles from the coast of Johor. In addition, Malaysia protested the
placement of an isolated danger buoy in Malaysia’s territorial waters by the Singaporean
authorities without the Government of Malaysia’s prior approval and
authorization. The Note drew attention to
“the illegal activities undertaken by Singapore’s agencies, notably the Maritime
and Port Authority of Singapore, clearly within Malaysia’s territorial
waters which violate Malaysia’s sovereignty, jurisdiction and territorial integrity
under the relevant principles of international laws, in particular the provisions
of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982” 39.
36 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore to the
High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/SEA1/00047/2013, dated 18 June 2013
(Ann. 123).
37 Notes Verbales from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore to
the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore: MFA/SEA1/00012/2016, dated 27 April 2016
(Ann. 66); MFA/SEA1/00017/2016, dated 13 May 2016 (Ann. 67); MFA/SEA1/00031/2016,
dated 11 August 2016 (Ann. 68); MFA/SEA1/00048/2016, dated 19 December 2016
(Ann. 69); MFA/SEA1/00011/2017, dated 8 February 2017 (Ann. 70).
38 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur, EC71/16, dated 28 June 2016 (Ann. 61).
39 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur, EC63/17, dated 8 June 2017 (Ann. 62).
34
38. Finally, Malaysia notes that in at least three diplomatic Notes, Singapore
has officially protested against Malaysian activities in the waters lying more than
10 nautical miles from the island of Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh. Singapore
has alleged that its territorial waters have been intruded upon as far away as
11.6 nautical miles from Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh 40. Such an extensive
claim to territorial waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh is entirely
at odds with the consistent position maintained by Malaysia, which is based on the
2008 Judgment and the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea 1982.
(b) Sovereignty over South Ledge
39. The dispute concerning the Court’s finding that “sovereignty over South
Ledge belongs to the State in the territorial waters of which it is located” emerged
very shortly after the Judgment was delivered on 23 May 2008 when three months
later, on 23 August 2008, Singapore lodged an official protest against Malaysia’s
actions at South Ledge. It stated :
“The Singapore Government protests Malaysia’s unilateral actions at
South Ledge, which go against the spirit of the Malaysia-Singapore Joint
Technical Committee, and are inconsistent with the mutual agreement to honour
and abide by the ICJ Judgment. Malaysia’s actions at South Ledge are
not helpful towards the common goal of reaching a peaceful and amicable
resolution of the issues relating to the ICJ Judgment. The Singapore Government
seeks the co-operation of the Malaysian Government to ensure the
immediate cessation of its current activities on South Ledge, and to refrain
from conducting further activities there until the status of South Ledge has
been determined through the process of maritime boundary delimitation
between our two countries.”
40. In its response, Malaysia immediately set out an opposing view of the
meaning and effect of the dispositif of the 2008 Judgment as it relates to South
Ledge :
“The Government of Malaysia wishes to emphasize that the ICJ concluded
that ‘sovereignty over South Ledge, as a low-tide elevation, belongs to the
State in the territorial waters of which it is located’. In light of the ICJ Judgment,
the Government of Malaysia strongly affirms that as Tubir Selatan/
South Ledge is 7.9 nautical miles from the mainland of Johor and 1.7 nautical
miles from Batuan Tengah/Middle Rocks, it is clearly located within the territorial
waters of Malaysia. It naturally follows that sovereignty over Tubir
Selatan/South Ledge belongs to Malaysia in accordance with the principles
of international law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the
Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, as well as the Judgment of the ICJ. The
Government of Malaysia reiterates that Tubir Selatan/South Ledge has
always been part of the territory of Johor as affirmed by the Court in the
40 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore to the
High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/SEA1/00002/2012, dated 2 May 2012
(Ann. 124).
36
above-mentioned Judgment and Malaysia has sovereignty over Tubir Selatan/
South Ledge.” 41
41. Following this exchange, Malaysia continually protested against incursions
by Singaporean Government aircraft into the airspace over South Ledge, both
by diplomatic correspondence and through the bilateral channels provided by
the MSJTC. In addition, Malaysia continued to articulate consistently its interpretation
of the dispositif of the 2008 Judgment as it applies to South Ledge. In 2011,
for example, it reiterated its understanding of the meaning and effect of the 2008
Judgment in these terms :
“Due to the proximity of South Ledge to the mainland of Johor and Middle
Rocks, it is clear that South Ledge is located within the territorial waters
of Malaysia. It naturally follows that sovereignty over South Ledge belongs
to Malaysia in accordance with the Judgment of the ICJ. As such, the Government
of Malaysia wishes to remind the Government of the Republic of
Singapore that the airspace above South Ledge is part of Malaysia’s airspace
following the Judgment of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)
of 23 May 2008 whereby the ICJ reaffirms Malaysia’s sovereignty over
Middle Rocks and further stated that ‘sovereignty over South Ledge, as a
low-tide elevation, belongs to the State in the territorial waters of which it is
located’.” 42
42. Singapore has formally rejected the position set out by Malaysia in numerous
formal protests during the post-Judgment period. In 2010, for example, Singapore
exchanged with Malaysia a diplomatic Note which stated :
“The Government of Singapore again rejects the claim of the Government
of Malaysia that sovereignty over South Ledge belongs to Malaysia. In its
Judgment of 23 May 2008, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that
sovereignty over South Ledge belongs to the State in the territorial waters of
which it is located. The Government of Singapore reiterates that the status of
South Ledge can only be determined through the process of maritime boundary
delimitation between the two countries.” 43
43. Most recently, Malaysia has restated its interpretation of the operative
clause of the 2008 Judgment in the following terms :
“The Government of Malaysia wishes to state that in view of this Judgment
which held, inter alia, that sovereignty over Middle Rocks belongs to Malaysia,
Malaysia takes the position that, on a true interpretation of the Judgment,
South Ledge falls within the territorial sea of Malaysia and is thus subject to
the sovereignty of Malaysia. Malaysia requests that the Government of Singapore
respect and act in accordance with this determination. The Government
of Malaysia avers that it is willing to discuss with the Government of
41 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, EC52/2008, dated 29 October 2008
(Ann. 7).
42 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia to the High
Commission of the Republic of Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, EC99/2011, dated 29 June 2011
(Ann. 32).
43 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore to the
High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/SEA/00003/2010, dated 30 March 2010
(Ann. 120).
38
Singapore the question of the consequential delimitation of the relevant
areas.” 44
44. In light of these diplomatic exchanges, the precise point on which a dispute
has emerged as to the meaning and scope of the 2008 Judgment is whether or not
the operative clause of the 2008 Judgment has indeed decided with binding force
the question of sovereignty over South Ledge. In the Special Agreement by which
the Parties jointly initiated proceedings before the Court on 24 July 2003, the Parties
requested the Court “to determine whether sovereignty over . . . South
Ledge . . . belongs to Malaysia or the Republic of Singapore” 45. The relevant section
of the operative clause of the 2008 Judgment states that “sovereignty over
South Ledge belongs to the State in the territorial waters of which it is located” 46.
45. Singapore’s official statements indicate that Singapore understands this section
of the dispositif to mean that the question of sovereignty over South Ledge has
not been decided at all, since Singapore has stated that “the status of South Ledge
can only be determined through the process of maritime boundary delimitation
between the two countries”. A further indication that Singapore considers that the
2008 Judgment’s operative clause has not decided the question of sovereignty over
South Ledge can be seen in Singapore’s repeated request that Malaysia refrain
from any activities on, over or around South Ledge until a maritime boundary
delimitation has been completed by the Parties. Singapore does not accept Malaysia’s
understanding that the 2008 Judgment allocated to Malaysia sovereignty over
South Ledge, but nor does it make explicit claims to have sovereignty over South
Ledge in its own right. Put simply, Singapore’s position entails the interpretation
that the 2008 Judgment’s operative clause does not answer the specific question
posed to it by the Parties.
46. In contrast, Malaysia considers that the Court has discharged its function
under the Special Agreement by specifying the formula whose application allows
the status of South Ledge to be determined. As Malaysia understands it, the application
of this formula naturally leads to the conclusion that Malaysia has sovereignty
over South Ledge because South Ledge falls within the territorial waters of
Malaysia. As Malaysia has stated repeatedly, Malaysia has sovereignty both over
the nearest feature to South Ledge, Middle Rocks (at a distance of 1.7 nautical
miles), and over the nearest mainland territory, Johor (at a distance of 7.9 nautical
miles). Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh lies 2.2 nautical miles away, and the island
of Singapore itself lies approximately 22 nautical miles away.
47. It should be noted that the Parties’ differing interpretations of the meaning
and effect of the first part of the 2008 Judgment’s operative clause rely to a certain
extent on the Court’s characterization of South Ledge as a low-tide elevation.
Although the operative clause of the 2008 Judgment does not expressly refer to
South Ledge as a low-tide elevation, this step in the Court’s reasoning is clearly
inseparable from the operative clause. In the 2008 Judgment, the Court opened its
analysis of the issue of sovereignty over South Ledge by noting that “[w]ith regard
to South Ledge, however, there are special problems to be considered, inasmuch as
South Ledge, as distinct from Middle Rocks, presents a special geographical fea-
44 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia to the High
Commission of the Republic of Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, EC46/17, dated 20 April 2017
(Ann. 63).
45 Case concerning Sovereignty over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and
South Ledge (Malaysia/Singapore), Judgment, I.C.J. Reports 2008, pp. 17-18, para. 2.
46 Ibid., p. 102, para. 300.
40
ture as a low-tide elevation” 47. The Court proceeds to consider the definition of
low-tide elevation provided in Article 13 of the United Nations Convention on the
Law of the Sea, and the Court’s own prior jurisprudence concerning the appropriation
of low-tide elevations, before noting that the Court was not mandated by
the Parties to draw the line of delimitation between their respective territorial
waters. It concludes its analysis of the status of South Ledge by pronouncing that
“for the reasons stated above sovereignty over South Ledge, as a low-tide elevation,
belongs to the State in the territorial waters of which it is located” 48. In view
of the fact that the characterization of South Ledge as a low-tide elevation is inseparable
from the operative clause or an “essential condition” 49 of the decision, the
dispute which forms the subject of this Application remains within the scope of
Article 60 of the Statute.
48. Since there exists a dispute between the Parties as to the meaning and scope
of the operative clause of the 2008 Judgment as it relates to sovereignty over the
waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh and over South Ledge,
Malaysia maintains that the Court has jurisdiction to deliver an interpretation of
the 2008 Judgment.
B. Admissibility
49. Having shown that the Court has jurisdiction to interpret its 2008 Judgment,
Malaysia will briefly demonstrate that its Application is admissible and
should be accepted by the Court.
50. Since the Court’s jurisdiction to interpret is founded on the “primacy of the
principle of res judicata” 50, the Court has insisted that
“[t]he real purpose of the request [for interpretation] must be to obtain an
interpretation of the judgment. This signifies that its object must be solely to
obtain clarification of the meaning and the scope of what the Court has
decided with binding force, and not to obtain an answer to questions not so
decided. Any other construction of Article 60 of the Statute would nullify the
provision of the Article that the judgment is final and without appeal.” 51
51. Malaysia is requesting a clarification from the Court of the findings which it
reached in the 2008 Judgment. Malaysia understands that the interpretation provided
by the Court would be binding on both Malaysia and Singapore. Such an
interpretation would serve as a basis for the maintenance of orderly and peaceful
relations between the Parties in the management of their maritime zones and airspace
in the future.
47 I.C.J. Reports 2008, p. 99, para. 291.
48 Ibid., p. 101, para. 299.
49 Interpretation of Judgments Nos. 7 and 8 (Factory at Chorzów), Judgment No. 11, 1927,
P.C.I.J., Series A, No. 13, p. 20.
50 Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 11 June 1998 in the Case concerning the
Land and Maritime Boundary between Cameroon and Nigeria (Cameroon v. Nigeria),
Preliminary Objections (Nigeria v. Cameroon), Judgment, I.C.J. Reports 1999 (I), pp. 36-37,
para. 12.
51 Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 20 November 1950 in the Asylum Case
(Colombia v. Peru), Judgment, I.C.J. Reports 1950, p. 402, cited in Request for Interpretation
of the Judgment of 15 June 1962 in the Case concerning the Temple of Preah Vihear
(Cambodia v. Thailand) (Cambodia v. Thailand), Judgment, I.C.J. Reports 2013, p. 303,
para. 55.
42
52. For these reasons, the Government of Malaysia respectfully submits the
present Application for interpretation of the 2008 Judgment.
IV. Interpretation Requested from the Court
53. In the first paragraph of the operative clause of the 2008 Judgment, the
Court found that “sovereignty over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh belongs to the
Republic of Singapore”.
54. In the third paragraph of the operative clause of its 2008 Judgment, the
Court pronounced that “sovereignty over South Ledge belongs to the State in the
territorial waters of which it is located”. This operative provision is a consequence
of the Court’s conclusion that South Ledge is a low-tide elevation feature.
55. The Parties’ attempt to resolve all issues arising from the 2008 Judgment
through bilateral co-operative procedures has proven to be unsuccessful. Given
this, Malaysia considers that it is necessary to request an interpretation from the
Court of the meaning and scope of its decision to award “sovereignty” over
Pedra Branca to Singapore, as well as the meaning and scope of its determination
concerning the status of South Ledge. The necessity of this request is made clear by
the fact that incidents taking place in the waters and airspace surrounding
Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh and South Ledge continue to provoke objections
from the Parties.
56. Malaysia respectfully asks the Court to adjudge and declare that :
(a) “The waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh remain within the
territorial waters of Malaysia” ; and
(b) “South Ledge is located in the territorial waters of Malaysia, and consequently
sovereignty over South Ledge belongs to Malaysia”.
I have the honour to submit to the Court the Application for Interpretation of
the Judgment of 23 May 2008, in the case concerning Sovereignty over Pedra Branca/
Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge (Malaysia/Singapore) as well as
the annexes attached hereto.
In accordance with the respective Rules and practices of the Court, I submit a
duly signed copy of the Application.
I am pleased to certify that the copies of the annexed documents are true copies
of the originals.
Dated the 30th day of June 2017.
(Signed) Dato’ Ahmad Nazri Yusof,
Ambassador of Malaysia
to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
44
FIGURE A. SKETCH-MAP OF PEDRA BRANCA/PULAU BATU PUTEH, MIDDLE ROCK
AND SOUTH LEDGE, REPRODUCED FROM THE 2008 JUDGMENT
46
FIGURE B. SURVEY AREA OF THE JOINT HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEY
48
52
LIST OF ANNEXES*
Annex 1. Terms of Reference of the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Technical Committee.
Annex 2. Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of
Malaysia and the Government of the Republic of Singapore with
regard to the Joint Hydrographic Survey in and around Pedra Branca
and Middle Rocks.
Annex 3. Joint Statement by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Prime
Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak at the Singapore-
Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat in Singapore on 19 February 2013.
Annex 4. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC 68/2014 dated 27 April 2014.
Annex 5. Joint Statement by Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul
Razak and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Malaysia-
Singapore Leaders’ Retreat in Putrajaya, Malaysia on 7 April 2014.
Annex 6. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00025/2008, dated 23 August 2008.
Annex 7. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC52/2008, dated 29 October 2008.
Annex 8. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC54/2008, dated 29 October 2008.
Annex 9. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC22/2009, dated 12 March 2009.
Annex 10. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC30/2009, dated 2 April 2009.
Annex 11. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC73/2009, dated 3 July 2009.
Annex 12. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC75/2009, dated 3 July 2009.
* Annexes not reproduced in print version, but available in electronic version on the
Court’s website (http://www.icj-cij.org, under “cases”).
50
Annex 13. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC115/2009, dated 7 October 2009.
Annex 14. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
ECI16/2009, dated 7 October 2009.
Annex 15. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC117/2009, dated 7 October 2009.
Annex 16. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC118/2009, dated 7 October 2009.
Annex 17. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC119/2009, dated 7 October 2009.
Annex 18. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC88/2010, dated 15 June 2010.
Annex 19. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC89/2010, dated 15 June 2010.
Annex 20. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC90/2010, dated 15 June 2010.
Annex 21. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC91/2010, dated 15 June 2010.
Annex 22. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC92/2010, dated 15 June 2010.
Annex 23. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC93/2010, dated 15 June 2010.
Annex 24. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC141/2010, dated 22 September 2010.
Annex 25. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC142/2010, dated 22 September 2010.
Annex 26. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC143/2010, dated 22 September 2010.
Annex 27. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC144/2010, dated 22 September 2010.
Annex 28. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC145/2010, dated 22 September 2010.
52
Annex 29. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC169/2010, dated 1 November 2010.
Annex 30. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC177/2010, dated 18 November 2010.
Annex 31. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC193/2010, dated 8 December 2010.
Annex 32. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC99/2011, dated 29 June 2011.
Annex 33. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC14/2012, dated 14 February 2012.
Annex 34. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC15/2012, dated 14 February 2012.
Annex 35. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC64/2012, dated 17 April 2012.
Annex 36. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC65/2012, dated 17 April 2012.
Annex 37. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC103/2012, dated 2 July 2012.
Annex 38. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC28/2014, dated 17 February 2014.
Annex 39. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC29/2014, dated 18 February 2014.
Annex 40. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC30/2014, dated 19 February 2014.
Annex 41. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC35/2014, dated 20 February 2014.
Annex 42. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC36/2014, dated 21 February 2014.
Annex 43. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC37/2014, dated 24 February 2014.
Annex 44. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC38/2014, dated 25 February 2014.
54
Annex 45. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC39/2014, dated 26 February 2014.
Annex 46. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC40/2014, dated 27 February 2014.
Annex 47. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC41/2014, dated 28 February 2014.
Annex 48. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC44/2014, dated 3 March 2014.
Annex 49. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC45/2014, dated 4 March 2014.
Annex 50. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC46/2014, dated 5 March 2014.
Annex 51. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC47/2014, dated 6 March 2014.
Annex 52. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC48/2014, dated 7 March 2014.
Annex 53. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC51/2014, dated 10 March 2014.
Annex 54. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC52/2014, dated 11 March 2014.
Annex 55. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC53/2014, dated 12 March 2014.
Annex 56. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC54/2014, dated 13 March 2014.
Annex 57. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC58/2014, dated 14 March 2014.
Annex 58. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC75/2014, dated 3 Apri1 2014.
Annex 59. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC150/2014, dated 31 December 2014.
Annex 60. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC151/2014, dated 31 December 2014.
56
Annex 61. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC71/16, dated 28 June 2016.
Annex 62. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC63/17, dated 8 June 2017.
Annex 63. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC46/17, dated 20 April 2017.
Annex 64. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00047/2011, dated 17 November 2011.
Annex 65. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00022/2009 dated 28 May 2009.
Annex 66. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA1/00012/2016 dated 27 April 2016.
Annex 67. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA1/00017/2016, dated 13 May 2016.
Annex 68. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA1/00031/2016, dated 11 August 2016.
Annex 69. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEAl/00048/2016, dated 19 December 2016.
Annex 70. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA1/00011/2017 dated 8 February 2017.
Annex 71. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC72/2009, dated 3 July 2009.
Annex 72. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC161/2010, dated 1 November 2010.
Annex 73. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC164/2010, dated 1 November 2010.
Annex 74. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC167/2010, dated 1 November 2010.
Annex 75. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC168/2010, dated 1 November 2010.
Annex 76. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC60/2011, dated 19 April 2011.
58
Annex 77. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC61/2011, dated 19 April 2011.
Annex 78. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC107/2011, dated 8 July 2011.
Annex 79. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC122/2011, dated 22 August 2011.
Annex 80. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC124/2011, dated 22 August 2011.
Annex 81. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC145/2011, dated 30 September 2011.
Annex 82. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC146/2011, dated 30 September 2011.
Annex 83. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC18/2012, dated 14 February 2012.
Annex 84. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC30/2012, dated 17 February 2012.
Annex 85. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC31/2012, dated 17 February 2012.
Annex 86. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC69/2012, dated 24 April 2012.
Annex 87. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC70/2012, dated 9 May 2012.
Annex 88. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC81/2012, dated 9 May 2012.
Annex 89. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC88/2012, dated 1 June 2012.
Annex 90. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC90/2012, dated 6 June 2012.
Annex 91. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC7/2014, dated 27 January 2014.
Annex 92. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC9/2014, dated 28 January 2014.
60
Annex 93. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC11/2014, dated 29 January 2014.
Annex 94. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC14/2014, dated 30 January 2014.
Annex 95. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC17/2014, dated 4 February 2014.
Annex 96. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC18/2014, dated 5 February 2014.
Annex 97. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC22/2014, dated 7 February 2014.
Annex 98. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC144/16, dated 24 November 2016.
Annex 99. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00003/2010(I), dated 11 February 2011.
Annex 100. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00005/2010, dated 11 February 2011.
Annex 101. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00005/2010(4A), dated 30 March 2010.
Annex 102. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00008/2010, dated 31 May 2010.
Annex 103. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00012/2010, dated 15 June 2010.
Annex 104. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00035/2010, dated 19 August 2010.
Annex 105. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00010/2011, dated 29 April 2011.
Annex 106. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00013/2011, dated 15 July 2011.
Annex 107. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00036/2011, dated 6 September 2011.
Annex 108. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA1/00001/2012, dated 2 May 2012.
62
Annex 109. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA1/00006/2012, dated 28 May 2012.
Annex 110. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA1/00019/2012, dated 24 August 2012.
Annex 111. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEAl/00022/2012, dated 11 September 2012.
Annex 112. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA1/00027/2012, dated 1 November 2012.
Annex 113. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA1/00002/2013, dated 11 January 2013.
Annex 114. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA1/00026/2013, dated 3 June 2013.
Annex 115. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA1/00046/2013, dated 18 June 2013.
Annex 116. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEAl/00074/2013, dated 4 November 2013.
Annex 117. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00002/2014, dated 7 January 2014.
Annex 118. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA1/00042/2014, dated 22 July 2014.
Annex 119. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00041/2016, dated 30 September 2016.
Annex 120. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00003/2010, dated 30 March 2010.
Annex 121. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC53/2008, dated 29 October 2008.
Annex 122. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00005/2012, dated 14 February 2012.
Annex 123. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA1/00047/2013, dated 18 June 2013.
Annex 124. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA1/00002/2012, dated 2 May 2012.
IMPRIMÉ EN FRANCE – PRINTED IN FRANCE

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INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE
APPLICATION
INSTITUTING PROCEEDINGS
filed in the Registry of the Court
on 30 June 2017
REQUEST FOR INTERPRETATION
OF THE JUDGMENT OF 23 MAY 2008
IN THE CASE CONCERNING SOVEREIGNTY
OVER PEDRA BRANCA/PULAU BATU PUTEH,
MIDDLE ROCKS AND SOUTH LEDGE
(MALAYSIA/SINGAPORE)
(MALAYSIA v. SINGAPORE)
COUR INTERNATIONALE DE JUSTICE
REQUÊTE
INTRODUCTIVE D’INSTANCE
enregistrée au Greffe de la Cour
le 30 juin 2017
DEMANDE EN INTERPRÉTATION
DE L’ARRÊT DU 23 MAI 2008
EN L’AFFAIRE RELATIVE À LA SOUVERAINETÉ
SUR PEDRA BRANCA/PULAU BATU PUTEH,
MIDDLE ROCKS ET SOUTH LEDGE
(MALAISIE/SINGAPOUR)
(MALAISIE c. SINGAPOUR)
2
2017
General List
No. 170
I. THE AMBASSADOR OF MALAYSIA TO THE KINGDOM
OF THE NETHERLANDS TO THE REGISTRAR
OF THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE
30 June 2017.
The Embassy of Malaysia presents its compliments to the International Court of
Justice and has the honour to refer to the case concerning the Sovereignty over
Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge (Malaysia/Singapore).
I, in my capacity as the Ambassador of Malaysia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands,
do hereby submit on behalf of Malaysia an Application for interpretation of
the Judgment of 23 May 2008 in the case concerning the Sovereignty over Pedra
Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge (Malaysia/Singapore)
for the consideration of the International Court of Justice.
In accordance with the respective Rules and practices of the Court, I forward
herewith two (2) signed original copies of the said Application, 30 additional copies
and electronic USB in PDF format, for the Court’s consideration and necessary
action.
The Embassy of Malaysia avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the International
Court of Justice the assurances of its highest consideration.
(Signed) Ahmad Nazri Yusof.
3
2017
Rôle général
no 170
I. L’AMBASSADEUR DE LA MALAISIE
AUPRÈS DU ROYAUME DES PAYS-BAS AU GREFFIER
DE LA COUR INTERNATIONALE DE JUSTICE
[Traduction]
Le 30 juin 2017.
L’ambassade de la Malaisie présente ses compliments à la Cour internationale
de Justice et a l’honneur de se référer à l’affaire relative à la Souveraineté sur Pedra
Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks et South Ledge (Malaisie/Singapour).
En ma qualité d’ambassadeur de la Malaisie auprès du Royaume des Pays‑Bas,
j’ai l’honneur de soumettre par la présente, au nom de la Malaisie, une demande en
interprétation de l’arrêt rendu le 23 mai 2008 en l’affaire relative à la Souveraineté
sur Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks et South Ledge (Malaisie/Singapour).
Conformément au Règlement et à la pratique de la Cour, j’ai l’honneur de transmettre
par la présente, pour que la Cour puisse les examiner et y donner les suites
nécessaires, deux originaux signés de la demande en interprétation, 30 exemplaires
supplémentaires et une version en format PDF sur clef USB de celle‑ci.
L’ambassade de la Malaisie saisit cette occasion pour renouveler à la Cour internationale
de Justice les assurances de sa très haute considération.
(Signé) Ahmad Nazri Yusof.
4
II. APPLICATION INSTITUTING PROCEEDINGS
table of contents
Page
I. Summary of the Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
II. Statement of the facts leading to the present dispute . . . . . . . . . . . 8
A. Failure of bilateral attempts at implementation . . . . . . . . . . . 8
B. Diplomatic incidents and official protests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
C. Need for clarification by the Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
III. Jurisdiction and admissibility of the Application for interpretation . . . 20
A. Jurisdiction of the Court under Article 60 of the Statute . . . . . . 20
(i) Conditions for the Court’s jurisdiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
(ii) Existence of a dispute as to the meaning or scope of an operative
part of the judgment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
(a) Waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh . . . 26
(b) Sovereignty over South Ledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
B. Admissibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
IV. Interpretation requested from the Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
List of Annexes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
5
II. REQUÊTE INTRODUCTIVE D’INSTANCE
[Traduction]
table des matières
Page
I. Résumé de la demande . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
II. Exposé des faits à l’origine du présent différend . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
A. L’échec des tentatives bilatérales d’exécution de l’arrêt de 2008 . . 9
B. Incidents diplomatiques et protestations officielles . . . . . . . . . 11
C. Nécessité d’obtenir de la Cour des éclaircissements . . . . . . . . . 21
III. Compétence et recevabilité . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
A. Compétence de la Cour en vertu de l’article 60 de son Statut . . . . 21
i) Conditions auxquelles est subordonnée la compétence de la
Cour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
ii) Existence d’une contestation quant au sens ou à la portée de
points du dispositif de l’arrêt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
a) Les eaux entourant Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh . . . . 27
b) La souveraineté sur South Ledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
B. Recevabilité . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
IV. Interprétation demandée à la Cour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Liste des annexes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
6
I. Summary of the Application
1. On 24 July 2003, the Governments of Malaysia and Singapore (hereinafter
“Malaysia” and “Singapore”, respectively) jointly initiated proceedings before the
International Court of Justice (ICJ) by submission of a Special Agreement dated
6 February 2003. Article 2 of the Special Agreement provided :
“The Court is requested to determine whether sovereignty over :
(a) Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh;
(b) Middle Rocks ;
(c) South Ledge,
belongs to Malaysia or the Republic of Singapore.”
2. On 23 May 2008, the Court delivered its Judgment in Sovereignty over
Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge (Malaysia/Singapore)
(hereinafter “the 2008 Judgment”). The Court determined that Singapore
had acquired sovereignty over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh from Malaysia,
while Malaysia retained sovereignty over Middle Rocks as the successor to the
Sultan of Johor. In respect of South Ledge, the Court pronounced that “sovereignty
over South Ledge belongs to the State in the territorial waters of which it is
located” 1.
3. As soon as the 2008 Judgment was handed down, the Parties expressed their
shared commitment to work together towards the full implementation of the
Court’s 2008 Judgment. In this context, and taking advantage of the spirit of goodwill
and friendship which unites them, the Parties created a joint committee, the
Malaysia‑Singapore Joint Technical Committee, to facilitate their co‑operation in
implementing the 2008 Judgment (see further paragraph 8). Among the tasks
which this committee was expected to address was the delimitation of the maritime
boundaries between the territorial waters of Malaysia and Singapore. Unfortunately,
the Joint Technical Committee has failed to achieve its stated aims. No
activity has taken place since November 2013.
4. One reason for this impasse is that the Parties have been unable to agree over
the meaning of the 2008 Judgment as it concerns South Ledge and the waters surrounding
Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh. Throughout the post‑Judgment period,
both Malaysia and Singapore have issued a large number of official protests in
respect of incidents alleged to have taken place on, over and around South Ledge,
as well as in the disputed waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh and
the airspace above these waters.
5. In this context, Malaysia has taken the view that it has become necessary to
request interpretation of those parts of the 2008 Judgment over which the Parties
cannot agree. The Parties have been unable to agree on the meaning and/or scope
of the following two points of the 2008 Judgment :
(1) the Court’s finding that “sovereignty over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh
belongs to Singapore”, and
(2) the Court’s finding that “sovereignty over South Ledge belongs to the State in
the territorial waters of which it is located”.
6. By submitting this Application, Malaysia respectfully requests the Court to
render an authoritative and binding interpretation of the meaning of its 2008 Judgment
in respect of the waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh and
sovereignty over South Ledge.
1 Sovereignty over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge
(Malaysia/Singapore), Judgment, I.C.J. Reports 2008, pp. 101‑102, para. 300.
7
I. Résumé de la demande
1. Le 24 juillet 2003, les Gouvernements de la Malaisie et de Singapour (ci‑après
« la Malaisie » et « Singapour ») ont introduit conjointement une instance devant la
Cour internationale de Justice par notification d’un compromis daté du
6 février 2003. L’article 2 de ce compromis est libellé comme suit :
« La Cour est priée de déterminer si la souveraineté sur
a) Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh ;
b) Middle Rocks ;
c) South Ledge,
appartient à la Malaisie ou à la République de Singapour. »
2. Le 23 mai 2008, la Cour a rendu son arrêt relatif à la Souveraineté sur
Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks et South Ledge (ci‑après « l’arrêt
de 2008 »). Par cet arrêt, elle a conclu que Singapour avait acquis de la Malaisie la
souveraineté sur Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh et que la Malaisie conservait la
souveraineté sur Middle Rocks en sa qualité de successeur du sultan de Johor. Au
sujet de South Ledge, la Cour a dit ceci : « la souveraineté sur South Ledge appartient
à l’Etat dans les eaux territoriales duquel il est situé » 1.
3. Après le prononcé de l’arrêt de 2008, les Parties ont aussitôt exprimé leur
volonté commune de collaborer aux fins de sa pleine exécution. Dans ce contexte,
et à la faveur du climat d’amitié et de bienveillance mutuelle caractérisant leurs
relations, elles ont créé une commission technique mixte chargée de faciliter leur
coopération en vue de l’exécution de l’arrêt (voir ci‑après le paragraphe 8). L’une
des tâches confiées à cette commission concernait la délimitation des frontières
maritimes entre les eaux territoriales de la Malaisie et de Singapour. Malheureusement,
elle n’est pas parvenue à atteindre les buts qui lui avaient été assignés, et ses
travaux sont suspendus depuis novembre 2013.
4. L’une des raisons de ce blocage réside en ce que les Parties n’ont pas été en
mesure de s’entendre sur le sens de l’arrêt de 2008 pour ce qui concerne South Ledge
et les eaux entourant Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh. A compter du prononcé de
l’arrêt, la Malaisie et Singapour n’ont cessé d’élever des protestations officielles au
sujet d’incidents qui se seraient produits sur South Ledge, aux alentours de cette
formation ou dans l’espace aérien surjacent, ainsi que dans les eaux contestées
entourant Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh et dans l’espace aérien surjacent.
5. C’est dans ce contexte que la Malaisie en est venue à considérer qu’il était
nécessaire de demander à la Cour d’interpréter les points de son arrêt de 2008 sur
lesquels les Parties ne parvenaient pas à s’entendre. Les deux points sur le sens ou
la portée desquels elles demeurent en désaccord sont les suivants :
1) la conclusion de la Cour selon laquelle « la souveraineté sur Pedra Branca/
Pulau Batu Puteh appartient à Singapour » ; et
2) la conclusion de la Cour selon laquelle « la souveraineté sur South Ledge appartient
à l’Etat dans les eaux territoriales duquel il est situé ».
6. Par la présente demande, la Malaisie prie respectueusement la Cour de donner
une interprétation faisant foi et ayant force obligatoire du sens de son arrêt
de 2008 pour ce qui concerne les eaux entourant Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh
et la souveraineté sur South Ledge.
1 Souveraineté sur Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks et South Ledge
(Malaisie/Singapour), arrêt, C.I.J. Recueil 2008, p. 101‑102, par. 300.
8
7. Malaysia notes that on 2 February 2017 it filed an Application for revision of
part of the 2008 Judgment in accordance with Article 61 of the Statute of the
Court. Through that Application, Malaysia is asking for revision of the finding
that sovereignty over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh belongs to Singapore.
Malaysia underlines that the present Application for interpretation, which is made
in accordance with Article 60 of the Statute of the Court, is separate and autonomous
from the current revision proceedings before the Court, even if the two
proceedings are necessarily closely related.
II. Statement of the Facts Leading to the Present Dispute
A. Failure of Bilateral Attempts at Implementation
8. Following the Judgment of 23 May 2008, Malaysia and Singapore established
(on 3 June 2008) the Malaysia‑Singapore Joint Technical Committee on the
Implementation of the International Court of Justice Judgment on Pedra Branca,
Middle Rocks and South Ledge (hereinafter “MSJTC”). The MSJTC was established
with two primary purposes : to “discuss all preparatory issues leading to
bilateral maritime boundary negotiations”, and to “address all other matters arising
or related to the implementation of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)
Judgment, including but not limited to fisheries and maritime and air space
management” 2.
9. At the same time, the Parties also established the Sub‑Committee on the Joint
Survey Works in and around Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks and South Ledge.
According to the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Parties on
30 November 2010, the task of the Sub‑Committee was to undertake jointly a
hydrographic survey “to determine the low‑water mark of the features and low‑tide
elevations [in the survey area], in order to prepare for eventual talks on maritime
issues in and around Pedra Branca and Middle Rocks”. In that same Memorandum
of Understanding, the Parties agreed that the joint survey works were undertaken
without prejudice to the question of delimitation of boundaries between the
Parties or to the maritime or territorial claims made by either party 3. According to
the Scope of Works, which was annexed to the Memorandum of Understanding,
the joint survey was to be carried out in an area surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau
Batu Puteh and Middle Rocks. The survey area is depicted in Figure B, which is an
extract from the Scope of Works document. The map shows that the survey area
did not extend to include South Ledge or its surrounding waters. As a result, no
hydrographic data concerning the South Ledge low‑tide elevation was collected by
the joint survey works. The Report of the Joint Hydrographic Survey was endorsed
by the MSJTC at its Sixth Meeting on 23 February 2012, and the Sub‑Committee
on the Joint Survey Works, having successfully completed its work, was dissolved
by the agreement of the MSJTC.
10. At the Singapore‑Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat on 19 February 2013 — by
which stage the Governments of both States had made numerous official protests
in respect of incidents occurring in the disputed waters surrounding Pedra Branca/
Pulau Batu Puteh and with regard to South Ledge — the Prime Ministers of
Malaysia and Singapore agreed that, following the completion of the Joint Survey
Works, “the next step would be for the MSJTC to move into the delimitation of
2 Terms of Reference of the Malaysia-Singapore
Joint Technical Committee (Ann. 1).
3 Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Malaysia and the
Government of the Republic of Singapore with regard to the Joint Hydrographic Survey in
and around Pedra Branca and Middle Rocks, Art. 2 (Ann. 2).
9
7. La Malaisie rappelle que, le 2 février 2017, elle a formé une demande en revision
d’une partie de l’arrêt de 2008 conformément à l’article 61 du Statut de la
Cour. Par cette demande, elle prie la Cour de revoir sa conclusion selon laquelle la
souveraineté sur Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh appartient à Singapour. Elle
tient à souligner que la présente demande en interprétation, formée en application
de l’article 60 du Statut, est distincte et indépendante de sa demande en revision,
bien qu’il existe nécessairement des liens étroits entre les deux instances.
II. Exposé des faits à l’origine du présent différend
A. L’échec des tentatives bilatérales d’exécution de l’arrêt de 2008
8. Après le prononcé de l’arrêt du 23 mai 2008, les deux Etats ont créé (le
3 juin 2008) une commission technique mixte Malaisie-Singapour
pour l’exécution
de l’arrêt de la Cour internationale de Justice relatif à Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks
et South Ledge (ci-
après la « commission technique mixte » ou la « CTM »). La
création de la CTM avait deux buts principaux : « examiner toutes les questions à
régler préalablement à l’ouverture de négociations bilatérales sur la frontière maritime
» ; et « examiner toutes les autres questions soulevées par l’exécution de l’arrêt
de la Cour internationale de Justice ou s’y rapportant, dont celle de la gestion des
pêcheries et de l’espace maritime et aérien » 2.
9. Les Parties ont en même temps créé une sous‑commission pour la réalisation
conjointe d’un levé hydrographique portant sur Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks,
South Ledge et leurs environs. Selon le mémorandum d’accord signé par les Parties
le 30 novembre 2010, la sous‑commission était chargée de procéder à un levé
hydrographique conjoint « pour déterminer l’emplacement de la laisse de basse
mer sur les formations et l’élévation de celles-
ci à marée basse [dans la zone du
levé], dans la perspective de pourparlers sur les questions maritimes concernant
Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks et les eaux environnantes ». Le mémorandum d’accord
disposait aussi que les Parties étaient convenues que le levé serait entrepris
sans préjudice de la question de la délimitation de leur frontière commune, non
plus que de leurs revendications maritimes ou territoriales respectives 3. Selon le
descriptif des tâches annexé au mémorandum d’accord, le levé devait être réalisé
dans une zone entourant Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh et Middle Rocks. La
zone devant faire l’objet du levé est représentée sur la figure B, qui est une carte
tirée du descriptif des tâches. Cette carte montre que la zone en question n’englobait
ni South Ledge, ni les eaux environnantes. Le levé conjoint n’a donc produit
aucune donnée hydrographique sur l’élévation de South Ledge à marée basse. La
CTM a avalisé le rapport sur le levé conjoint à sa sixième réunion, le 23 février 2012,
et ses membres, constatant que la sous‑commission avait mené à bien ses travaux,
ont décidé d’un commun accord de la dissoudre.
10. Lors d’une retraite réunissant, le 19 février 2013, les dirigeants singapourien
et malaisien — alors que les Gouvernements des deux Etats avaient déjà émis de
nombreuses protestations officielles au sujet d’incidents survenus dans les eaux
contestées entourant Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh ou de South Ledge —, les
premiers ministres malaisien et singapourien sont convenus qu’après l’achèvement
du levé hydrographique conjoint, « la prochaine étape des travaux de la CTM
2 Mandat de la commission technique mixte (annexe 1).
3 Mémorandum d’accord entre le Gouvernement de la Malaisie et le Gouvernement de la
République de Singapour relatif au levé hydrographique conjoint portant sur Pedra Branca
et Middle Rocks et les eaux environnantes, art. 2 (annexe 2).
10
maritime boundaries” 4. The MSJTC took note of the Prime Ministers’ statement
at its Seventh Meeting on 29 November 2013 and agreed to set up a new
sub-
committee
for this purpose. However, there has been no progress towards the
establishment of the sub-committee
concerning the maritime boundary delimitation
: the Parties have not even been able to agree upon the name of the new
sub-
committee,
let alone proceed to discuss any substantive issues related to the
delimitation of the maritime boundaries in the area. The Malaysian delegation has
proposed naming the new sub-committee
“the Sub‑Committee on Maritime
Boundary Delimitation between Pedra Branca and Middle Rocks”, whereas
Singapore
has recommended the name “the Sub‑Committee on Maritime
Boundary
Delimitation in the area around Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks and
South Ledge”.
11. There are further signs that the bilateral mechanism established by Malaysia
and Singapore to implement the 2008 Judgment has reached an impasse. Above
all, the MSJTC has never reconvened since its Seventh Meeting in November 2013,
despite the fact that the Parties stated an intention to hold the Eighth Meeting of
the MSJTC in 2014. Furthermore, at the 2014 Malaysia‑Singapore Leaders’
Retreat on 7 April 2014, the Prime Ministers of both Malaysia and Singapore
welcomed the decision of the MSJTC to establish a new sub-committee
for the
purpose of managing the delimitation of maritime boundaries, but no substantive
steps were taken. Indeed, no further steps at all towards maritime boundary delimitation
have been taken by the two sides. There is deadlock. The last official communication
between the two States on this topic of maritime boundary delimitation
was a diplomatic Note sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia to
the High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur dated
27 April 2014, which enclosed the draft Minutes of the Seventh Meeting of the
MSJTC as prepared and proposed by Malaysia 5. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the
question of maritime boundaries in the area encompassing the three features
(Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge) have stalled.
Following the most recent Malaysia‑Singapore Leaders’ Retreat in December
2016, the joint statement of the Prime Ministers made no mention of the
MSJTC, maritime boundary delimitation, or the implementation of the 2008 Judgment
6. This omission represents a departure from the previous practice at the
Leaders’ Retreats, and provides further indication that the established bilateral
mechanism for addressing all issues relating to the implementation of the
2008 Judgment is incapable of making progress.
B. Diplomatic Incidents and Official Protests
12. While Malaysia and Singapore have attempted to implement the 2008 Judgment
through co‑operative processes, there has been ongoing disagreement between
4 Joint Statement by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Prime Minister Dato’ Sri
Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak at the Singapore-Malaysia
Leaders’ Retreat in Singapore
on 19 February 2013 (Ann. 3).
5 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur, EC 68/2014 dated 27 April 2014 (Ann. 4).
6 Joint Statement by Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak and
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Malaysia-Singapore
Leaders’ Retreat in Putrajaya,
Malaysia on 7 April 2014 (Ann. 5).
11
consisterait à aborder la question de la délimitation de la frontière maritime » 4. La
CTM a pris note de la déclaration conjointe des deux premiers ministres lors de sa
septième réunion, le 29 novembre 2013, et décidé de créer une nouvelle sous‑commission
dans la perspective de cette prochaine étape. Cependant, aucun progrès
n’a été fait par la suite en vue de mettre sur pied la sous‑commission censée s’occuper
de la délimitation de la frontière maritime : n’ayant même pas réussi à s’entendre
sur le nom de la nouvelle sous‑commission, les Parties sont bien loin d’être
prêtes à aborder les questions de fond touchant la délimitation maritime dans la
zone considérée. La délégation malaisienne a proposé que la sous‑commission soit
dénommée « sous‑commission chargée de la délimitation de la frontière maritime
entre Pedra Branca et Middle Rocks », tandis que Singapour préférerait « sous‑commission
chargée de la délimitation de la frontière maritime dans la zone entourant
Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks et South Ledge ».
11. D’autres signes confirment que le dispositif bilatéral mis sur pied par la
Malaisie et Singapour aux fins de l’exécution de l’arrêt de 2008 s’est enrayé, dont le
plus patent est que la CTM est restée inactive depuis sa septième réunion, tenue en
novembre 2013, alors que les Parties avaient exprimé leur intention d’en organiser
une huitième en 2014. Autre signe : lors de la retraite réunissant les dirigeants
malaisien et singapourien qui a eu lieu le 7 avril 2014, les premiers ministres des
deux pays ont accueilli favorablement la décision de la CTM de créer une nouvelle
sous‑commission appelée à se pencher sur la question de la délimitation de la frontière
maritime, sans toutefois que cela ne débouche sur aucune mesure concrète. En
fait, les deux Parties n’ont pris aucune nouvelle initiative en vue de la délimitation
de leur frontière maritime. Le processus est bloqué. La dernière communication
officielle entre les deux Etats au sujet de la délimitation de leur frontière maritime
a consisté en une note diplomatique en date du 27 avril 2014 adressée au haut‑commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le ministère des
affaires étrangères de la Malaisie, à laquelle était jointe une version provisoire des
minutes de la septième réunion de la CTM, établie et proposée par la Malaisie 5.
Les tentatives de règlement par la voie diplomatique de la question de la délimitation
maritime dans la zone entourant les trois formations (Pedra Branca/Pulau
Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks et South Ledge) sont maintenant au point mort. Dans
le communiqué conjoint que les premiers ministres des deux Etats ont publié à
l’issue de leur dernière retraite, qui a eu lieu en décembre 2016, il n’est fait aucune
mention de la commission technique mixte, de la délimitation maritime ou de l’exécution
de l’arrêt de 2008 6. Cette omission rompt avec la pratique suivie jusqu’alors
à l’issue de ces retraites, signe supplémentaire du blocage du dispositif bilatéral mis
sur pied pour assurer le suivi de toutes les questions relatives à l’exécution de l’arrêt
de 2008.
B. Incidents diplomatiques et protestations officielles
12. Tout en s’efforçant de mettre à exécution l’arrêt de 2008 par la voie diplomatique,
la Malaisie et Singapour demeurent depuis le prononcé de celui-
ci en désac-
4 Déclaration conjointe de M. Lee Hsien Loong, premier ministre de Singapour, et de
Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, premier ministre de la Malaisie, publiée à l’issue
de la retraite ayant réuni les deux dirigeants à Singapour le 19 février 2013 (annexe 3).
5 Note verbale EC68/2014 en date du 27 avril 2014 adressée au haut‑commissariat de la
République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la
Malaisie (annexe 4).
6 Communiqué conjoint de Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, premier ministre
de la Malaisie, et de M. Lee Hsien Loong, premier ministre de Singapour, publié à l’issue de
la retraite ayant réuni les deux dirigeants à Putrajaya (Malaisie) le 7 avril 2014 (annexe 5).
12
the Parties throughout the post‑Judgment period on two issues : the status of South
Ledge, and the status of the waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh.
13. The first formal protest in the post‑Judgment period was made by Singapore
on 23 August 2008, when it accused Malaysia of acting in disregard of the
2008 Judgment by unilaterally landing four persons on South Ledge to set up
equipment there. By diplomatic Note Singapore called on Malaysia to refrain from
conducting any other activities on South Ledge until the status of the feature was
determined through a process of maritime boundary delimitation between the two
States 7. Malaysia rejected Singapore’s contention, and affirmed strongly that
South Ledge, as a low‑tide elevation, is clearly located within the territorial waters
of Malaysia, since it lies 7.9 nautical miles from the mainland of Johor and only
1.7 nautical miles from Middle Rocks. Moreover, Malaysia reiterated that South
Ledge has always been part of the territory of Johor, and so Malaysia has sovereignty
over South Ledge 8.
14. From 2009 onwards, Malaysia has persistently objected to activity by Singaporean
aircraft, vessels or Government which is inconsistent with Malaysia’s
sovereignty over its territorial waters and airspace. These protests have been made
on at least 76 occasions, and have been directed at three types of activity : incursions
into Malaysian territorial waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu
Puteh and South Ledge by Singapore Government vessels without the consent of
the Malaysian Government ; incursions into Malaysian airspace above the territorial
waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh and above South Ledge
and its surrounding waters by Singapore Government aircraft ; and exercises of
authority by the Government of Singapore within Malaysia’s airspace, over its
territory and waters around Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh.
15. In no fewer than 54 diplomatic Notes 9, Malaysia has reminded Singapore
that the waters around Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh are within Malaysia’s ter-
7 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore to the
High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/SEA/00025/2008, dated 23 August 2008
(Ann. 6).
8 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur, EC52/2008, dated 29 October 2008
(Ann. 7).
9 Notes Verbales from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur: EC54/2008, dated 29 October 2008
(Ann. 8); EC22/2009, dated 12 March 2009 (Ann. 9); EC30/2009, dated 2 April 2009
(Ann. 10); EC73/2009, dated 3 July 2009 (Ann. 11); EC75/2009, dated 3 July 2009 (Ann. 12);
EC115/2009, dated 7 October 2009 (Ann. 13); EC116/2009, dated 7 October 2009 (Ann. 14);
EC117/2009, dated 7 October 2009 (Ann. 15); EC118/2009, dated 7 October 2009 (Ann. 16);
EC119/2009, dated 7 October 2009 (Ann. 17); EC88/2010, dated 15 June 2010 (Ann. 18);
EC89/2010, dated 15 June 2010 (Ann. 19); EC90/2010, dated 15 June 2010 (Ann. 20);
EC91/2010, dated 15 June 2010 (Ann. 21); EC92/2010, dated 15 June 2010 (Ann. 22);
EC93/2010, dated 15 June 2010 (Ann. 23); EC141/2010, dated 22 September 2010 (Ann. 24);
EC142/2010, dated 22 September 2010 (Ann. 25); EC143/2010, dated 22 September 2010
(Ann. 26); EC144/2010, dated 22 September 2010 (Ann. 27); EC145/2010, dated
22 September 2010 (Ann. 28); EC169/2010, dated 1 November 2010 (Ann. 29); EC177/2010,
dated 18 November 2010 (Ann. 30); EC193/2010, dated 8 December 2010 (Ann. 31);
EC99/2011, dated 29 June 2011 (Ann. 32); EC14/2012, dated 14 February 2012 (Ann. 33);
EC15/2012, dated 14 February 2012 (Ann. 34); EC64/2012, dated 17 April 2012 (Ann. 35);
EC65/2012, dated 17 April 2012 (Ann. 36); EC103/2012, dated 2 July 2012 (Ann. 37);
EC28/2014, dated 17 February 2014 (Ann. 38); EC29/2014, dated 18 February 2014
(Ann. 39); EC30/2014, dated 19 February 2014 (Ann. 40); EC35/2014, dated 20 February
2014 (Ann. 41); EC36/2014, dated 21 February 2014 (Ann. 42); EC37/2014, dated
24 February 2014 (Ann. 43); EC38/2014, dated 25 February 2014 (Ann. 44); EC39/2014,
13
cord sur deux points : le statut de South Ledge et celui des eaux entourant Pedra
Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh.
13. La première protestation émise durant cette période l’a été le 23 août 2008
par Singapour, qui accusait la Malaisie d’avoir agi au mépris de l’arrêt de 2008 en
déposant sur South Ledge quatre personnes devant y installer du matériel. Par une
note diplomatique, Singapour demandait à la Malaisie de s’abstenir de se livrer à
toute autre activité sur cette formation tant que les deux Etats n’auraient pas procédé
à la délimitation maritime permettant d’en déterminer le statut 7. La Malaisie
a répondu en rejetant l’assertion de Singapour et en soutenant fermement que
South Ledge, étant un haut-fond découvrant situé à 7,9 milles marins de la côte du
territoire continental du Johor et 1,7 mille marin seulement de Middle Rocks, se
trouvait manifestement dans ses eaux territoriales. Elle rappelait en outre que
South Ledge avait toujours fait partie du territoire du Johor et relevait donc de la
souveraineté de la Malaisie 8.
14. A partir de 2009, la Malaisie n’a cessé de s’élever contre les mouvements
d’aéronefs ou de navires singapouriens et les activités d’autorités singapouriennes,
jugés par elle incompatibles avec la souveraineté qu’elle exerce sur ses eaux territoriales
et son espace aérien. Elle a ainsi émis au moins soixante-seize protestations,
visant trois types d’activités : des incursions non autorisées par le Gouvernement
malaisien de navires d’Etat singapouriens dans les eaux territoriales malaisiennes
entourant Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh et South Ledge ; des incursions d’aéronefs
d’Etat singapouriens dans l’espace aérien malaisien situé au-
dessus
des eaux
territoriales entourant Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh ainsi que de South Ledge et
des eaux environnantes ; enfin, des manifestations d’autorité de la part du Gouvernement
singapourien dans l’espace aérien de la Malaisie au-
dessus
de son territoire
et des eaux entourant Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh.
15. Par non moins de cinquante-quatre notes diplomatiques 9, la Malaisie a rappelé
à Singapour que les eaux entourant Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh étaient
7 Note verbale MFA/SEA/00025/2008 en date du 23 août 2008 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la République
de Singapour (annexe 6).
8 Note verbale EC52/2008 en date du 29 octobre 2008 adressée au haut-commissariat
de
la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la
Malaisie (annexe 7).
9 Notes verbales adressées au haut‑commissariat de la République de Singapour à Kuala
Lumpur par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie : note EC54/2008 en date du
29 octobre 2008 (annexe 8) ; note EC22/2009 en date du 12 mars 2009 (annexe 9) ; note
EC30/2009 en date du 2 avril 2009 (annexe 10) ; note EC73/2009 en date du 3 juillet 2009
(annexe 11) ; note EC75/2009 en date du 3 juillet 2009 (annexe 12) ; note EC115/2009 en date
du 7 octobre 2009 (annexe 13) ; note EC116/2009 en date du 7 octobre 2009 (annexe 14) ; note
EC117/2009 en date du 7 octobre 2009 (annexe 15) ; note EC118/2009 en date du 7 octobre
2009 (annexe 16) ; note EC119/2009 en date du 7 octobre 2009 (annexe 17) ; note EC88/2010
en date du 15 juin 2010 (annexe 18) ; note EC89/2010 en date du 15 juin 2010 (annexe 19) ;
note EC90/2010 en date du 15 juin 2010 (annexe 20) ; note EC91/2010 en date du 15 juin 2010
(annexe 21) ; note EC92/2010 en date du 15 juin 2010 (annexe 22) ; note EC93/2010 en date du
15 juin 2010 (annexe 23) ; note EC141/2010 en date du 22 septembre 2010 (annexe 24) ; note
EC142/2010 en date du 22 septembre 2010 (annexe 25) ; note EC143/2010 en date du
22 septembre 2010 (annexe 26) ; note EC144/2010 en date du 22 septembre 2010 (annexe 27) ;
note EC145/2010 en date du 22 septembre 2010 (annexe 28) ; note EC169/2010 en date du
1er novembre 2010 (annexe 29) ; note EC177/2010 en date du 18 novembre 2010 (annexe 30) ;
note EC193/2010 en date du 8 décembre 2010 (annexe 31) ; note EC99/2011 en date du 29 juin
2011 (annexe 32) ; note EC14/2012 en date du 14 février 2012 (annexe 33) ; note EC15/2012 en
date du 14 février 2012 (annexe 34) ; note EC64/2012 en date du 17 avril 2012 (annexe 35) ;
note EC65/2012 en date du 17 avril 2012 (annexe 36) ; note EC103/2012 en date du 2 juillet
2012 (annexe 37) ; note EC28/2014 en date du 17 février 2014 (annexe 38) ; note EC29/2014 en
14
ritorial waters, and that the airspace above those waters is part of Malaysia’s airspace.
Malaysia usually states its position with respect to sovereignty over the
waters around Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh in the following terms: “The Ministry
wishes also to remind the Government of the Republic of Singapore that the
airspace over the waters around Pedra Branca, which is located within the territorial
waters of Malaysia is part of Malaysia’s airspace, in accordance with the principles
of international law as well as the Judgment of the ICJ” 10. Malaysia’s most
recent protest against activities undertaken by Singapore’s agencies within Malaysia’s
territorial waters in the vicinity of Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh was lodged
on 8 June 2017, when Malaysia pointed out to Singapore that actions by the Maritime
and Port Authority of Singapore in relation to a boat capsized 9.3 nautical
miles from the coast of Johor were activities undertaken “clearly within Malaysia’s
territorial waters which violate Malaysia’s sovereignty, jurisdiction and territorial
integrity under the relevant principles of international law, in particular the provisions
of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS
1982)” 11.
16. Similarly, in no fewer than 22 diplomatic Notes 12, Malaysia has reminded
Singapore that the airspace above South Ledge is part of Malaysia’s airspace foldated
26 February 2014 (Ann. 45); EC40/2014, dated 27 February 2014 (Ann. 46);
EC41/2014, dated 28 February 2014 (Ann. 47); EC44/2014, dated 3 March 2014 (Ann. 48);
EC45/2014, dated 4 March 2014 (Ann. 49); EC46/2014, dated 4 March 2014 (Ann. 50);
EC47/2014, dated 6 March 2014 (Ann. 51); EC48/2014, dated 7 March 2014 (Ann. 52);
EC51/2014, dated 10 March 2014 (Ann. 53); EC52/2014, dated 11 March 2014 (Ann. 54);
EC53/2014, dated 12 March 2014 (Ann. 55); EC54/2014, dated 13 March 2014 (Ann. 56);
EC58/2014, dated 14 March 2014 (Ann. 57); EC75/2014, dated 3 April 2014 (Ann. 58);
EC150/2014, dated 31 December 2014 (Ann. 59); EC151/2014, dated 31 December 2014
(Ann. 60); EC71/16, dated 28 June 2016 (Ann. 61).
10 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur, EC103/2012, dated 2 July 2012 (Ann. 37).
11 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur, EC63/17, dated 8 June 2017 (Ann. 62).
12 Notes Verbales from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur: EC22/2009, dated 12 March 2009
(Ann. 9); EC30/2009, dated 2 April 2009 (Ann. 10); EC73/2009, dated 3 July 2009 (Ann. 11);
EC75/2009, dated 3 July 2009 (Ann. 12); EC117/2009, dated 7 October 2009 (Ann. 15);
EC118/2009, dated 7 October 2009 (Ann. 16); EC119/2009, dated 7 October 2009 (Ann. 17);
EC88/2010, dated 15 June 2010 (Ann. 18); EC89/2010, dated 15 June 2010 (Ann. 19);
EC90/2010, dated 15 June 2010 (Ann. 20); EC91/2010, dated 15 June 2010 (Ann. 21);
EC92/2010, dated 15 June 2010 (Ann. 22); EC93/2010, dated 15 June 2010 (Ann. 23);
EC141/2010, dated 22 September 2010 (Ann. 24); EC142/2010, dated 22 September 2010
(Ann. 25); EC143/2010, dated 22 September 2010 (Ann. 26); EC144/2010, dated 22 September
2010 (Ann. 27); EC145/2010, dated 22 September 2010 (Ann. 28); EC169/2010,
dated 1 November 2010 (Ann. 29); EC177/2010, dated 18 November 2010 (Ann. 30); EC193/
2010, dated 8 December 2010 (Ann. 31); EC99/2011, dated 29 June 2011 (Ann. 32).
15
comprises dans ses eaux territoriales, et que l’espace aérien surjacent faisait partie
de son espace aérien. Dans la plupart de ces notes, la Malaisie réaffirmait sa position
au sujet de la souveraineté sur les eaux entourant Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh
dans les termes suivants : « Le ministère tient également à rappeler au Gouvernement
de la République de Singapour que l’espace aérien qui se trouve au‑dessus des
eaux entourant Pedra Branca, laquelle est située dans les eaux territoriales malaisiennes,
fait partie de l’espace aérien malaisien, conformément aux principes du
droit international et à l’arrêt rendu par la Cour internationale de Justice. » 10 Dans
la protestation la plus récente qu’elle a élevée au sujet d’activités menées par des
entités singapouriennes dans ses eaux territoriales à proximité de Pedra Branca/
Pulau Batu Puteh, qui date du 8 juin 2017, la Malaisie faisait observer à Singapour
que les interventions effectuées par son autorité maritime et portuaire à la suite du
chavirement d’un navire survenu à 9,3 milles marins de la côte du Johor l’avaient
été en un lieu « manifestement situé dans les eaux territoriales de la Malaisie, en
violation de sa souveraineté, de sa juridiction et de son intégrité territoriale ainsi que
des principes du droit international dont procèdent celles-
ci, en particulier ceux
énoncés dans la convention des Nations Unies sur le droit de la mer de 1982
(CNUDM) » 11.
16. De même, par au moins vingt-deux notes diplomatiques 12, la Malaisie a
rappelé à Singapour que l’espace aérien situé au-
dessus
de South Ledge faisait
partie de l’espace aérien malaisien en vertu de l’arrêt de 2008, aux termes
date du 18 février 2014 (annexe 39) ; note EC30/2014 en date du 19 février 2014 (annexe 40) ;
note EC35/2014 en date du 20 février 2014 (annexe 41) ; note EC36/2014 en date du 21 février
2014 (annexe 42) ; note EC37/2014 en date du 24 février 2014 (annexe 43) ; note EC38/2014 en
date du 25 février 2014 (annexe 44) ; note EC39/2014 en date du 26 février 2014 (annexe 45) ;
note EC40/2014 en date du 27 février 2014 (annexe 46) ; note EC41/2014 en date du 28 février
2014 (annexe 47) ; note EC44/2014 en date du 3 mars 2014 (annexe 48) ; note EC45/2014 en
date du 4 mars 2014 (annexe 49) ; note EC46/2014 en date du 4 mars 2014 (annexe 50) ; note
EC47/2014 en date du 6 mars 2014 (annexe 51) ; note EC48/2014 en date du 7 mars 2014
(annexe 52) ; note EC51/2014 en date du 10 mars 2014 (annexe 53) ; note EC52/2014 en date
du 11 mars 2014 (annexe 54) ; note EC53/2014 en date du 12 mars 2014 (annexe 55) ; note
EC54/2014 en date du 13 mars 2014 (annexe 56) ; note EC58/2014 en date du 14 mars 2014
(annexe 57) ; note EC75/2014 en date du 3 avril 2014 (annexe 58) ; note EC150/2014 en date
du 31 décembre 2014 (annexe 59) ; note EC151/2014 en date du 31 décembre 2014 (annexe 60) ;
note EC71/16 en date du 28 juin 2016 (annexe 61).
10 Note verbale EC103/2012 en date du 2 juillet 2012 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la
République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la
Malaisie (annexe 37).
11 Note verbale EC63/17 en date du 8 juin 2017 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la
République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la
Malaisie (annexe 62).
12 Notes verbales adressées au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à
Kuala Lumpur par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie : note EC22/2009 en
date du 12 mars 2009 (annexe 9) ; note EC30/2009 en date du 2 avril 2009 (annexe 10) ; note
EC73/2009 en date du 3 juillet 2009 (annexe 11) ; note EC75/2009 en date du 3 juillet 2009
(annexe 12) ; note EC117/2009 en date du 7 octobre 2009 (annexe 15) ; note EC118/2009 en
date du 7 octobre 2009 (annexe 16) ; note EC119/2009 en date du 7 octobre 2009 (annexe 17) ;
note EC88/2010 en date du 15 juin 2010 (annexe 18) ; note EC89/2010 en date du 15 juin
2010 (annexe 19) ; note EC90/2010 en date du 15 juin 2010 (annexe 20) ; note EC91/2010 en
date du 15 juin 2010 (annexe 21) ; note EC92/2010 en date du 15 juin 2010 (annexe 22) ; note
EC93/2010 en date du 15 juin 2010 (annexe 23) ; note EC141/2010 en date du 22 septembre
2010 (annexe 24) ; note EC142/2010 en date du 22 septembre 2010 (annexe 25) ; note
EC143/2010 en date du 22 septembre 2010 (annexe 26) ; note EC144/2010 en date du
22 septembre 2010 (annexe 27) ; note EC145/2010 en date du 22 septembre 2010 (annexe 28) ;
note EC169/2010 en date du 1er novembre 2010 (annexe 29) ; note EC177/2010 en date du
18 novembre 2010 (annexe 30) ; note EC193/2010 en date du 8 décembre 2010 (annexe 31) ;
note EC99/2011 en date du 29 juin 2011 (annexe 32).
16
lowing the 2008 Judgment, since the Judgment affirms that Malaysia has sovereignty
over Middle Rocks and further states that sovereignty over South Ledge, as
a low-tide elevation, belongs to the State in the territorial waters of which it is
located. Malaysia has consistently stated (in these terms, or words to similar effect) :
“As Tubir Selatan/South Ledge is 7.9 nautical miles from the mainland of
Johor and 1.7 nautical miles from Batuan Tengah/Middle Rocks, it is clearly
located within the territorial waters of Malaysia. It naturally follows that sovereignty
over Tubir Selatan/South Ledge belongs to Malaysia in accordance
with the Judgment of the ICJ.” 13
Malaysia gave its most recent restatement of its view that, on a true interpretation
of the 2008 Judgment, South Ledge falls within the territorial waters of Malaysia
and is thus subject to the sovereignty of Malaysia, on 20 April 2017 14.
17. Throughout this period, Singapore has lodged many protests of its own
against Malaysia’s actions in the waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu
Puteh, and over and around South Ledge. In a series of diplomatic Notes spanning
the period from March 2010 to December 2016, Singapore contended that Malaysian
naval and law enforcement vessels intruded into the territorial waters of Singapore
surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh and that Malaysian military
and law enforcement aircraft intruded into Singapore’s airspace around
Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh. Singapore’s diplomatic Notes frequently state the
Government’s opposition to these activities in these terms :
“The Singapore Government strongly protests these incidents, which not
only infringe Singapore’s sovereignty rights over the waters and airspace
around Pedra Branca, but also go against the spirit of the Malaysia‑Singapore
Joint Technical Committee, in particular the mutual agreement between
Malaysia and Singapore to honour and abide by the International Court of
Justice (ICJ) Judgment of 23 May 2008, wherein the ICJ affirmed that sovereignty
over Pedra Branca belongs to Singapore, as well as the mutual agreement
to co‑operate to maintain a calm situation on the ground and prevent
incidents in the waters around Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks and South
Ledge.” 15
18. Singapore has also protested numerous times against the designation by
Malaysia of a dumping ground in the waters lying off the southern part of eastern
Johor, on the basis that Singapore considers the dumping grounds to encroach
13 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur, EC30/2009, dated 2 April 2009 (Ann. 10).
14 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur, EC46/17, dated 20 April 2017 (Ann. 63).
15 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore to the
High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/SEA/00047/2011, dated 17 November
2011 (Ann. 64).
17
duquel la souveraineté sur Middle Rocks appartient à la Malaisie, et celle sur
South Ledge, en tant que haut-fond découvrant, à l’Etat dans les eaux territoriales
duquel il est situé. Dans ces notes, la Malaisie a constamment réaffirmé
ce qui suit (en des termes qui s’écartent parfois de ceux cités sans en modifier le
sens) :
« Tubir Selatan/South Ledge, se trouvant à 7,9 milles marins du territoire
continental du Johor et à 1,7 mille marin de Batuan Tengah/Middle
Rocks, est manifestement situé dans les eaux territoriales malaisiennes. Il
en découle naturellement que, selon l’arrêt rendu par la Cour internationale
de Justice, la souveraineté sur Tubir Selatan/South Ledge appartient à la
Malaisie. » 13
La réaffirmation la plus récente de la position de la Malaisie selon laquelle il ressort
de l’interprétation correcte de l’arrêt de 2008 que South Ledge est situé dans les
eaux territoriales malaisiennes, et relève par conséquent de sa souveraineté, figure
dans une note en date du 20 avril 2017 14.
17. Tout au long de la même période, Singapour a de son côté élevé de nombreuses
protestations au sujet d’activités menées par la Malaisie dans les eaux
entourant Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh ainsi qu’au‑dessus et aux alentours de
South Ledge. Par une série de notes diplomatiques qu’elle a adressées à la Malaisie
de mars 2010 à décembre 2016, Singapour a prétendu que des navires de la marine
ou des forces de l’ordre malaisiennes avaient pénétré dans ses eaux territoriales
entourant Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, et que des aéronefs de l’armée de l’air
ou des forces de l’ordre malaisiennes avaient fait des incursions dans l’espace
aérien singapourien aux alentours de Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh. Dans ces
notes diplomatiques, le Gouvernement singapourien a fréquemment exprimé son
opposition à ces activités dans les termes suivants :
« Le Gouvernement singapourien proteste énergiquement contre ces incidents
qui, outre qu’ils constituent des violations des droits souverains de
Singapour
sur les eaux entourant Pedra Branca et l’espace aérien surjacent,
sont contraires à l’esprit dans lequel a été créée la commission technique
mixte, illustré en particulier par l’engagement pris d’un commun accord par la
Malaisie et Singapour de respecter et exécuter l’arrêt rendu le 23 mai 2008 par
la Cour internationale de Justice, aux termes duquel la souveraineté sur Pedra
Branca appartient à Singapour, et l’accord par lequel les deux Etats sont
convenus de coopérer au maintien d’une situation paisible sur le terrain et à la
prévention d’incidents dans les eaux entourant Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks
et South Ledge. » 15
18. Singapour a également protesté à maintes reprises contre la désignation par
la Malaisie d’un site d’immersion dans les eaux situées au large de la partie sud‑est
du Johor, au motif que ce site empiète, selon elle, sur les eaux territoriales singa-
13 Note verbale EC30/2009 en date du 2 avril 2009 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la
République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la
Malaisie (annexe 10).
14 Note verbale EC46/17 en date du 20 avril 2017 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la
République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la
Malaisie (annexe 63).
15 Note verbale MFA/SEA/00047/2011 en date du 17 novembre 2011 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la République
de Singapour (annexe 64).
18
into the territorial waters of Singapore 16. Malaysia has stated its categorical rejection
of Singapore’s contention that the waters surrounding Pedra Branca are part
of Singapore’s territorial waters in no fewer than 28 diplomatic Notes 17.
19. In relation to South Ledge, Singapore has repeatedly contended that Malaysia
has, by sending military and law enforcement aircraft to fly over and around
South Ledge, acted in disregard of the 2008 Judgment and in a manner which is
inconsistent with the Parties’ mutual agreement to honour and abide by that Judgment
18. Moreover, Singapore explicitly rejected Malaysia’s claim to sovereignty
over Middle Rocks, maintaining instead that the status of South Ledge can only be
determined through the process of maritime boundary delimitation between the
two countries 19. Singapore called upon Malaysia to refrain from conducting any
further activities on South Ledge until such time as the delimitation of the mari-
16 Notes Verbales from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore to
the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore: MFA/SEA/00022/2009 dated 28 May 2009
(Ann. 65); MFA/SEA1/00012/2016 dated 27 April 2016 (Ann. 66); MFA/SEA1/00012/2016,
dated 13 May 2016 (Ann. 67); MFA/SEA1/00012/2016, dated 11 August 2016 (Ann. 68);
MFA/SEA1/00048/2016, dated 19 December 2016 (Ann. 69); MFA/SEA1/00011/2017 dated
8 February 2017 (Ann. 70).
17 Notes Verbales from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur: EC72/2009, dated 3 July 2009 (Ann. 71);
EC161/2010, dated 1 November 2010 (Ann. 72); EC164/2010, dated 1 November 2010
(Ann. 73); EC167/2010, dated 1 November 2010 (Ann. 74); EC168/2010, dated
1 November 2010 (Ann. 75); EC60/2011, dated 19 April 2011 (Ann. 76); EC61/2011, dated
19 April 2011 (Ann. 77); EC107/2011, dated 8 July 2011 (Ann. 78); EC122/2011, dated
22 August 2011 (Ann. 79); EC124/2011, dated 22 August 2011 (Ann. 80); EC145/2011, dated
30 September 2011 (Ann. 81); EC146/2011, dated 30 September 2011 (Ann. 82); EC18/2012,
dated 14 February 2012 (Ann. 83); EC30/2012, dated 17 February 2012 (Ann. 84);
EC31/2012, dated 17 February 2012 (Ann. 85); EC69/2012, dated 24 April 2012 (Ann. 86);
EC70/2012, dated 9 May 2012 (Ann. 87); EC81/2012, dated 9 May 2012 (Ann. 88);
EC88/2012, dated 1 June 2012 (Ann. 89); EC90/2012, dated 6 June 2012 (Ann. 90); EC7/2014,
dated 27 January 2014 (Ann. 91); EC9/2014, dated 28 January 2014 (Ann. 92); EC11/2014,
dated 29 January 2014 (Ann. 93); EC14/2014, dated 30 January 2014 (Ann. 94); EC17/2014,
dated 4 February 2014 (Ann. 95); EC18/2014, dated 5 February 2014 (Ann. 96); EC22/2014,
dated 7 February 2014 (Ann. 97); EC144/16, dated 24 November 2016 (Ann. 98).
18 Notes Verbales from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore to
the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/SEA/00003/2010 (I), dated 11 February
2011 (Ann. 99); MFA/SEA/00005/2010, dated 11 February 2011 (Ann. 100); MFA/
SEA/00005/2010 (4A), dated 30 March 2010 (Ann. 101); MFA/SEA/00008/2010, dated
31 May 2010 (Ann. 102); MFA/SEA/00012/2010, dated 15 June 2010 (Ann. 103); MFA/
SEA/00035/2010, dated 19 August 2010 (Ann. 104); MFA/SEA/00010/2011, dated 29 April
2011 (Ann. 105); MFA/SEA/00013/2011, dated 15 July 2011 (Ann. 106); MFA/
SEA/00036/2011, dated 6 September 2011 (Ann. 107); MFA/SEA1/00001/2012, dated 2 May
2012 (Ann. 108); MFA/SEA1/00006/2012, dated 28 May 2012 (Ann. 109); MFA/
SEA1/00019/2012, dated 24 August 2012 (Ann. 110); MFA/SEA1/00022/2012, dated
11 September 2012 (Ann. 111); MFA/SEA1/00027/2012, dated 1 November 2012 (Ann. 112);
MFA/SEA1/00002/2013, dated 11 January 2013 (Ann. 113); MFA/SEA1/00026/2013, dated
3 June 2013 (Ann. 114); MFA/SEA1/00046/2013, dated 18 June 2013 (Ann. 115); MFA/
SEA1/00074/2013, dated 4 November 2013 (Ann. 116); MFA/SEA/00002/2014, dated
7 January 2014 (Ann. 117); MFA/SEA1/00042/2014, dated 22 July 2014 (Ann. 118); MFA/
SEA/00041/2016, dated 30 September 2016 (Ann. 119).
19 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore to the
High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/SEA/00003/2010, dated 30 March 2010
(Ann. 120).
19
pouriennes 16. Par non moins de vingt-huit notes diplomatiques 17, la Malaisie a
rejeté catégoriquement la prétention de Singapour selon laquelle les eaux entourant
Pedra Branca feraient partie des eaux territoriales singapouriennes.
19. Au sujet de South Ledge, Singapour s’est plainte de manière répétée de ce que,
en ordonnant à des aéronefs appartenant à son armée de l’air ou à ses forces de l’ordre
de survoler cette formation et les eaux l’entourant, la Malaisie agissait au mépris de
l’arrêt de 2008 et contrairement à l’engagement pris d’un commun accord par les
Parties de respecter et exécuter ledit arrêt 18. Singapour, de plus, a expressément rejeté
la revendication de souveraineté de la Malaisie sur Middle Rocks, arguant que le
statut de South Ledge ne pourrait être déterminé qu’une fois que les deux Etats
auraient procédé à la délimitation de leur frontière maritime 19. Singapour demandait
dans ses notes à la Malaisie de s’abstenir de toute activité sur South Ledge jusqu’à
16 Notes verbales adressées au haut-commissariat
de la Malaisie à Singapour par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour : note MFA/SEA/00022/2009
en date du 28 mai 2009 (annexe 65) ; note MFA/SEA1/00012/2016 en date du 27 avril 2016
(annexe 66) ; note MFA/SEA1/00012/2016 en date du 13 mai 2016 (annexe 67) ; note MFA/
SEA1/00012/2016 en date du 11 août 2016 (annexe 68) ; note MFA/SEA1/00048/2016 en
date du 19 décembre 2016 (annexe 69) ; note MFA/SEA1/00011/2017 en date du 8 février
2017 (annexe 70).
17 Notes verbales adressées au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala
Lumpur par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie : note EC72/2009 en date du
3 juillet 2009 (annexe 71) ; note EC161/2010 en date du 1er novembre 2010 (annexe 72) ;
note EC164/2010 en date du 1er novembre 2010 (annexe 73) ; note EC167/2010 en date du
1er novembre 2010 (annexe 74) ; note EC168/2010 en date du 1er novembre 2010 (annexe 75) ;
note EC60/2011 en date du 19 avril 2011 (annexe 76) ; note EC61/2011 en date du 19 avril
2011 (annexe 77) ; note EC107/2011 en date du 8 juillet 2011 (annexe 78) ; note EC122/2011 en
date du 22 août 2011 (annexe 79) ; note EC124/2011 en date du 22 août 2011 (annexe 80) ;
note EC145/2011 en date du 30 septembre 2011 (annexe 81) ; note EC146/2011 en date du
30 septembre 2011 (annexe 82) ; note EC18/2012 en date du 14 février 2012 (annexe 83) ;
note EC30/2012 en date du 17 février 2012 (annexe 84) ; note EC31/2012 en date du 17 février
2012 (annexe 85) ; note EC69/2012 en date du 24 avril 2012 (annexe 86) ; note EC70/2012 en
date du 9 mai 2012 (annexe 87) ; note EC81/2012 en date du 9 mai 2012 (annexe 88) ;
note EC88/2012 en date du 1er juin 2012 (annexe 89) ; note EC90/2012 en date du 6 juin 2012
(annexe 90) ; note EC7/2014 en date du 27 janvier 2014 (annexe 91) ; note EC9/2014 en date
du 28 janvier 2014 (annexe 92) ; note EC11/2014 en date du 29 janvier 2014 (annexe 93) ;
note EC14/2014 en date du 30 janvier 2014 (annexe 94) ; note EC17/2014 en date du 4 février
2014 (annexe 95) ; note EC18/2014 en date du 5 février 2014 (annexe 96) ; note EC22/2014 en
date du 7 février 2014 (annexe 97) ; note EC144/16 en date du 24 novembre 2016 (annexe 98).
18 Notes verbales adressées au haut-commissariat
de la Malaisie à Singapour par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour : note MFA/
SEA/00003/2010 (I) en date du 11 février 2011 (annexe 99) ; note MFA/SEA/00005/2010 en
date du 11 février 2011 (annexe 100) ; note MFA/SEA/00005/2010 (4A) en date du 30 mars
2010 (annexe 101) ; note MFA/SEA/00008/2010 en date du 31 mai 2010 (annexe 102) ; note
MFA/SEA/00012/2010 en date du 15 juin 2010 (annexe 103) ; note MFA/SEA/00035/2010 en
date du 19 août 2010 (annexe 104) ; note MFA/SEA/00010/2011 en date du 29 avril 2011
(annexe 105) ; note MFA/SEA/00013/2011 en date du 15 juillet 2011 (annexe 106) ; note
MFA/SEA/00036/2011 en date du 6 septembre 2011 (annexe 107) ; note MFA/
SEA1/00001/2012 en date du 2 mai 2012 (annexe 108) ; note MFA/SEA1/00006/2012 en date
du 28 mai 2012 (annexe 109) ; note MFA/SEA1/00019/2012 en date du 24 août 2012
(annexe 110) ; note MFA/SEA1/00022/2012 en date du 11 septembre 2012 (annexe 111) ;
note MFA/SEA1/00027/2012 en date du 1er novembre 2012 (annexe 112) ; note MFA/SEA1/
00002/2013 en date du 11 janvier 2013 (annexe 113) ; note MFA/SEA1/00026/2013 en date
du 3 juin 2013 (annexe 114) ; note MFA/SEA1/00046/2013 en date du 18 juin 2013
(annexe 115) ; note MFA/SEA1/00074/2013 en date du 4 novembre 2013 (annexe 116) ; note
MFA/SEA/00002/2014 en date du 7 janvier 2014 (annexe 117) ; note MFA/SEA1/00042/2014
en date du 22 juillet 2014 (annexe 118) ; note MFA/SEA/00041/2016 en date du
30 septembre 2016 (annexe 119).
19 Note verbale MFA/SEA/00003/2010 en date du 30 mars 2010 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la République
de Singapour (annexe 120).
20
time boundaries has been completed. Malaysia responded to these Notes of protest
by reiterating repeatedly that all activities undertaken by Malaysia in its territory,
including activities pertaining to and surrounding the airspace above South Ledge,
are legitimate exercises of its sovereignty and jurisdiction. On that basis, Malaysia
has stated consistently its intention to continue employing government vessels and
aircraft to patrol and conduct activities in the maritime areas and airspace of
Malaysia, including the area over and around South Ledge 20. As recently as
20 April 2017, Malaysia has requested that Singapore act in accordance with
Malaysia’s determination that, on a true interpretation of the 2008 Judgment, sovereignty
over South Ledge belongs to Malaysia. Malaysia also reiterated its willingness
to discuss with Singapore the question of the delimitation of the relevant
maritime areas 21.
C. Need for Clarification by the Court
20. Malaysia and Singapore established the MSJTC in an effort to settle the
outstanding issues relating to the implementation of the 2008 Judgment on a
co‑operative, bilateral basis. These efforts have, however, proven unsuccessful on
the issues of the status of South Ledge and the delimitation of the maritime boundaries
in the area around Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South
Ledge. The Parties remain deadlocked as to the true meaning of the Court’s
2008 Judgment as it concerns South Ledge and the waters surrounding Pedra
Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh. The ongoing uncertainty as to which State is sovereign
over South Ledge and the airspace and maritime spaces over and around both
South Ledge and Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh continues to complicate the task
of ensuring orderly and peaceful relations. Given the high volume of aerial and
maritime traffic in the area, the need to achieve a viable solution to this dispute is
pressing. Malaysia now seeks to obtain clarification from the Court of the meaning
of its 2008 Judgment.
III. Jurisdiction and Admissibility of the Application for Interpretation
21. Before the Court may provide an interpretation of a judgment it has rendered,
it must be satisfied that it has jurisdiction over the request for interpretation
and that the request is admissible. Malaysia will briefly demonstrate that this
request for an interpretation of the 2008 Judgment fulfils the conditions for jurisdiction
and admissibility.
A. Jurisdiction of the Court under Article 60 of the Statute
(i) Conditions for the Court’s jurisdiction
22. Article 60 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice provides: “The
judgment is final and without appeal. In the event of dispute as to the meaning or
scope of the judgment, the Court shall construe it upon the request of any party.”
20 For example, Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur, ECC177/2010, dated
18 November 2010 (Ann. 30).
21 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur, EC46/17, dated 20 April 2017 (Ann. 63).
21
l’achèvement de la délimitation maritime. La Malaisie a répondu à ces notes de protestation
en réaffirmant constamment que toutes les activités menées par elle sur son
territoire, y compris dans l’espace aérien situé au‑dessus de South Ledge et dans la
zone environnante, relevaient de l’exercice légitime de sa souveraineté et de sa juridiction.
Sur cette base, elle a sans cesse réaffirmé son intention de continuer d’utiliser des
navires et aéronefs d’Etat pour procéder à des patrouilles et mener d’autres activités
dans les zones maritimes et l’espace aérien lui appartenant, y compris la zone entourant
South Ledge et l’espace aérien surjacent 20. Tout récemment, le 20 avril 2017, la
Malaisie a invité Singapour à respecter sa position selon laquelle il ressort de l’interprétation
correcte de l’arrêt de 2008 que la souveraineté sur South Ledge lui appartient.
La Malaisie a également réaffirmé dans cette note qu’elle était disposée à examiner
avec Singapour la question de la délimitation des zones maritimes pertinentes 21.
C. Nécessité d’obtenir de la Cour des éclaircissements
20. Afin de régler par la voie de la coopération bilatérale les questions en suspens
se rapportant à l’exécution de l’arrêt de 2008, la Malaisie et Singapour ont créé une
commission technique mixte. Cependant, les tentatives faites dans ce cadre se sont
révélées infructueuses s’agissant de déterminer le statut de South Ledge et l’emplacement
des limites maritimes dans la zone entourant Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu
Puteh, Middle Rocks et South Ledge. Les Parties ne sont pas parvenues à s’entendre
sur le sens exact du dispositif de l’arrêt de 2008 pour ce qui concerne South
Ledge et les eaux entourant Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh. L’incertitude persistante
quant à la question de savoir auquel des deux Etats appartient la souveraineté
sur South Ledge, sur l’espace aérien situé au-
dessus
de South Ledge et Pedra
Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, ainsi que sur les eaux entourant ces deux formations
continue de faire obstacle au maintien entre eux de relations pacifiques et harmonieuses.
Vu la densité du trafic aérien et maritime dans le secteur, il est urgent de
trouver une solution viable à ce différend. C’est pourquoi la Malaisie cherche maintenant
à obtenir de la Cour des éclaircissements sur le sens de son arrêt de 2008.
III. Compétence et recevabilité
21. Avant d’interpréter l’un de ses arrêts, la Cour doit s’assurer qu’elle a compétence
pour ce faire et que la demande en interprétation est recevable. La Malaisie
va démontrer brièvement que la présente demande en interprétation de l’arrêt de
2008 remplit les conditions de compétence et de recevabilité requises.
A. Compétence de la Cour en vertu de l’article 60 de son Statut
i) Conditions auxquelles est subordonnée la compétence de la Cour
22. L’article 60 du Statut de la Cour est libellé comme suit : « L’arrêt est définitif
et sans recours. En cas de contestation sur le sens et la portée de l’arrêt, il appartient
à la Cour de l’interpréter, à la demande de toute partie. »
20 Voir par exemple la note verbale ECC177/2010 en date du 18 novembre 2010 adressée
au haut-commissariat
de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le ministère des affaires étrangères
de la Malaisie (annexe 30).
21 Note verbale EC46/17 en date du 20 avril 2017 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la
République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la
Malaisie (annexe 63).
22
23. Article 60 is supplemented by Article 98 of the Rules of Court, which states :
“1. In the event of dispute as to the meaning or scope of a judgment any party
may make a request for its interpretation, whether the original proceedings
were begun by an application or by the notification of a special agreement.
“2. A request for the interpretation of a judgment may be made either by an
application or by the notification of a special agreement to that effect between
the parties ; the precise point or points in dispute as to the meaning or scope
of the judgment shall be indicated.”
24. In view of these provisions, and the settled jurisprudence of the Court, the
Court’s jurisdiction to interpret its own judgments is contingent upon satisfaction
of two conditions : that a dispute exists between the parties, and that the
subject‑matter
of this dispute concerns the meaning or scope of the operative
part of the judgment. Malaysia will demonstrate briefly how these conditions are
met in the present Application and will show that the Court does enjoy jurisdiction
to respond to this request for an interpretation of the 2008 Judgment.
25. The requirement for the existence of a dispute between the parties as to the
meaning or scope of a judgment has been recalled consistently by the Court 22. In
the most recent proceedings concerning a request for interpretation, Request for
Interpretation of the Judgment of 15 June 1962 in the Case concerning the Temple of
Preah Vihear (Cambodia v. Thailand) (Cambodia v. Thailand), the Court noted
that “by virtue of Article 60 of the Statute, [the Court] may entertain a request for
interpretation provided that there is a ‘dispute as to the meaning or scope’ of any
judgment rendered by it” 23.
26. According to the most commonly cited definitions, a legal dispute exists
between two States when there is “a disagreement on a point of law or fact, a conflict
of legal views or of interests between two persons” 24, or when “the claim of
one party is positively opposed by the other” 25. While these definitions are certainly
satisfied in the present case, given the numerous and frequent official protests
which have been exchanged between the two Parties on the question of the
22 Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 20 November 1950 in the Asylum Case
(Colombia v. Peru), Judgment, I.C.J. Reports 1950, p. 402; Application for Revision and
Interpretation of the Judgment of 24 February 1982 in the Case concerning the Continental
Shelf (Tunisia/Libyan Arab Jamahiriya) (Tunisia v. Libyan Arab Jamahiriya), Judgment,
I.C.J. Reports 1985, pp. 216‑217, para. 44; Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of
11 June 1998 in the Case concerning the Land and Maritime Boundary between Cameroon
and Nigeria (Cameroon v. Nigeria), Preliminary Objections (Nigeria v. Cameroon), Judgment,
I.C.J. Reports 1999 (I), p. 36, para. 12; Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of
31 March 2004 in the Case concerning Avena and Other Mexican Nationals (Mexico v.
United States of America) (Mexico v. United States of America), Judgment, I.C.J. Reports
2009, p. 10, para. 21.)
23 Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 15 June 1962 in the Case concerning the
Temple of Preah Vihear (Cambodia v. Thailand) (Cambodia v. Thailand), Judgment,
I.C.J. Reports 2013, pp. 295‑296, para. 32, citing Request for Interpretation of the Judgment
of 15 June 1962 in the Case concerning the Temple of Preah Vihear (Cambodia v. Thailand)
(Cambodia v. Thailand), Provisional Measures, Order of 18 July 2011, I.C.J. Reports
2011 (II), p. 542, para. 21, Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 31 March 2004 in
the Case concerning Avena and Other Mexican Nationals (Mexico v. United States of
America) (Mexico v. United States of America), Provisional Measures, Order of 16 July 2008,
I.C.J. Reports 2008, p. 323, paras. 44 and 46; and Judgment, I.C.J. Reports 2009, p. 9,
paras. 15‑16.
24 Mavrommatis Palestine Concessions, Judgment No. 2, 1924, P.C.I.J., Series A, No. 2, p. 11.
25 South West Africa (Ethiopia v. South Africa; Liberia v. South Africa), Preliminary
Objections, Judgment, I.C.J. Reports 1962, p. 328.
23
23. L’article 60 du Statut est complété par l’article 98 du Règlement de la Cour,
où figurent les dispositions suivantes :
« 1. En cas de contestation sur le sens ou la portée d’un arrêt, toute partie
peut présenter une demande en interprétation, que l’instance initiale ait été
introduite par une requête ou par la notification d’un compromis.
2. Une demande en interprétation d’un arrêt peut être introduite soit par
une requête, soit par la notification d’un compromis conclu à cet effet entre les
parties ; elle indique avec précision le point ou les points contestés quant au
sens ou à la portée de l’arrêt. »
24. Il ressort de ces dispositions et de la jurisprudence constante de la Cour que
la compétence de celle-
ci pour interpréter ses arrêts est subordonnée à deux conditions
: il faut qu’il existe un différend entre les parties, et que l’objet de ce différend
soit une contestation quant au sens ou à la portée du dispositif d’un arrêt. La
Malaisie
va démontrer succinctement que la présente demande en interprétation de
l’arrêt de 2008 satisfait à ces deux conditions et relève donc de la compétence de
la Cour.
25. La Cour a régulièrement rappelé que sa compétence pour interpréter l’un de
ses arrêts dépendait de l’existence d’une contestation quant à son sens ou à sa portée
22. Dans son arrêt le plus récent sur une demande en interprétation (Demande
en interprétation de l’arrêt du 15 juin 1962 en l’affaire du Temple de Préah Vihéar
(Cambodge c. Thaïlande) (Cambodge c. Thaïlande)), la Cour a noté qu’« en vertu
de l’article 60 du Statut, [elle] peut … connaître d’une demande en interprétation
dès lors qu’existe une « contestation sur le sens et la portée » de tout arrêt rendu par
elle » 23.
26. Selon les définitions le plus souvent citées, un différend d’ordre juridique est
« un désaccord sur un point de droit ou de fait, une contradiction, une opposition
de thèses juridiques ou d’intérêts entre deux personnes » 24, ou survient lorsque « la
réclamation de l’une des parties se heurte à l’opposition manifeste de l’autre » 25. Le
différend dont il s’agit en la présente affaire répond assurément à ces définitions, vu
le nombre et la fréquence des échanges intervenus entre les Parties sur la question
22 Demande d’interprétation de l’arrêt du 20 novembre 1950 en l’affaire du Droit d’asile
(Colombie c. Pérou), arrêt, C.I.J. Recueil 1950, p. 402 ; Demande en revision et en interprétation
de l’arrêt du 24 février 1982 en l’affaire du Plateau continental (Tunisie/Jamahiriya arabe
libyenne) (Tunisie c. Jamahiriya arabe libyenne), arrêt, C.I.J. Recueil 1985, p. 216‑217,
par. 44 ; Demande en interprétation de l’arrêt du 11 juin 1998 en l’affaire de la Frontière
terrestre et maritime entre le Cameroun et le Nigéria (Cameroun c. Nigéria), exceptions
préliminaires (Nigéria c. Cameroun), arrêt, C.I.J. Recueil 1999 (I), p. 36, par. 12 ; Demande
en interprétation de l’arrêt du 31 mars 2004 en l’affaire Avena et autres ressortissants mexicains
(Mexique c. Etats‑Unis d’Amérique) (Mexique c. Etats‑Unis d’Amérique), arrêt,
C.I.J. Recueil 2009, p. 10, par. 21.
23 Demande en interprétation de l’arrêt du 15 juin 1962 en l’affaire du Temple de
Préah Vihéar (Cambodge c. Thaïlande) (Cambodge c. Thaïlande), arrêt, C.I.J. Recueil 2013,
p. 295‑296, par. 32, citant Demande en interprétation de l’arrêt du 15 juin 1962 en l’affaire du
Temple de Préah Vihéar (Cambodge c. Thaïlande) (Cambodge c. Thaïlande), mesures
conservatoires, ordonnance du 18 juillet 2011, C.I.J. Recueil 2011 (II), p. 542, par. 21 ;
Demande en interprétation de l’arrêt du 31 mars 2004 en l’affaire Avena et autres ressortissants
mexicains (Mexique c. Etats‑Unis d’Amérique) (Mexique c. Etats‑Unis d’Amérique),
mesures conservatoires, ordonnance du 16 juillet 2008, C.I.J. Recueil 2008, p. 323, par. 44
et 46 ; et arrêt, C.I.J. Recueil 2009, p. 9, par. 15-16.
24 Concessions Mavrommatis en Palestine, arrêt no 2, 1924, C.P.J.I. série A no 2, p. 11.
25 Sud-Ouest africain (Ethiopie c. Afrique du Sud ; Libéria c. Afrique du Sud), exceptions
préliminaires, arrêt, C.I.J. Recueil 1962, p. 328.
24
meaning of the 2008 Judgment’s operative paragraph concerning South Ledge and
the waters around Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, the Court confirmed in the
recent case Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 15 June 1962 in the Case
concerning the Temple of Preah Vihear (Cambodia v. Thailand) (Cambodia v.
Thailand) that a broader definition of dispute is applicable in the specific context
of Article 60 proceedings :
“The Court further recalls that ‘a dispute within the meaning of Article 60
of the Statute must be understood as a difference of opinion or views between
the parties as to the meaning or scope of a judgment rendered by the Court’
(Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 15 June 1962 in the Case concerning
the Temple of Preah Vihear (Cambodia v. Thailand) (Cambodia v.
Thailand), Provisional Measures, Order of 18 July 2011, I.C.J. Reports 2011
(II), p. 542, para. 22) . . . [T]he existence of a dispute under Article 60 of the
Statute does not require the same criteria to be fulfilled as those determining
the existence of a dispute under Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Statute (ibid. ;
see also Interpretation of Judgments Nos. 7 and 8 (Factory at Chorzów), Judgment
No. 11, 1927, P.C.I.J., Series A, No. 13, pp. 10‑12 ; Request for Interpretation
of the Judgment of 31 March 2004 in the Case concerning Avena and
Other Mexican Nationals (Mexico v. United States of America) (Mexico v.
United States of America), Provisional Measures, Order of 16 July 2008,
I.C.J. Reports 2008, p. 325, para. 53).” 26
27. The Court also affirmed in that case that there is no requirement for a dispute
as to the meaning and scope of a judgment under Article 60 to have manifested
itself in a formal way. Quoting the PCIJ decision in Interpretation of Judgments
Nos. 7 and 8 (Factory at Chorzów), the Court explained that “it should be
sufficient if the two Governments have in fact shown themselves as holding opposite
views in regard to the meaning or scope of a judgment of the Court” 27.
28. As for the requirement that the dispute concern the meaning or scope of a
judgment, the Court has indicated that “a dispute within the meaning of Article 60
of the Statute must relate to the operative clause of the judgment in question and
cannot concern the reasons for the judgment except in so far as these are inseparable
from the operative clause” 28. Furthermore, the Court has clarified that “a dif-
26 Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 15 June 1962 in the Case concerning the
Temple of Preah Vihear (Cambodia v. Thailand) (Cambodia v. Thailand), Judgment,
I.C.J. Reports 2013, pp. 295‑296, para. 32.
27 Ibid., citing Interpretation of Judgments Nos. 7 and 8 (Factory at Chorzów), Judgment
No. 11, 1927, P.C.I.J., Series A, No. 13, p. 11. See also Application for Revision and Interpretation
of the Judgment of 24 February 1982 in the Case concerning the Continental Shelf
(Tunisia/Libyan Arab Jamahiriya) (Tunisia v. Libyan Arab Jamahiriya), Judgment,
I.C.J. Reports 1985, pp. 217‑218, para. 46; Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of
31 March 2004 in the Case concerning Avena and Other Mexican Nationals (Mexico v.
United States of America) (Mexico v. United States of America), Provisional Measures,
Order of 16 July 2008, I.C.J. Reports 2008, pp. 325‑326, para. 54.
28 Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 15 June 1962 in the Case concerning the
Temple of Preah Vihear (Cambodia v. Thailand) (Cambodia v. Thailand), Judgment,
I.C.J. Reports 2013, p. 296, para. 34, citing Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of
15 June 1962 in the Case concerning the Temple of Preah Vihear (Cambodia v. Thailand)
(Cambodia v. Thailand), Provisional Measures, Order of 18 July 2011, I.C.J. Reports 2011
(II), p. 542, para. 23; Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 11 June 1998 in the Case
concerning the Land and Maritime Boundary between Cameroon and Nigeria (Cameroon v.
Nigeria), Preliminary Objections (Nigeria v. Cameroon), Judgment, I.C.J. Reports 1999 (I),
p. 35, para. 10; Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 31 March 2004 in the Case
25
du sens du dispositif de l’arrêt de 2008 pour ce qui concerne South Ledge et les
eaux entourant Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, mais il n’est pas inutile de noter
que la Cour a récemment confirmé, en l’affaire relative à la Demande en interprétation
de l’arrêt du 15 juin 1962 en l’affaire du Temple de Préah Vihéar (Cambodge
c. Thaïlande) (Cambodge c. Thaïlande), que le contexte particulier des instances
introduites en vertu de l’article 60 du Statut invite à une acception plus large de la
notion de différend :
« [La Cour] rappelle en outre qu’« une contestation au sens de l’article 60 du
Statut doit être comprise comme une divergence d’opinions ou de vues entre
les parties quant au sens et à la portée d’un arrêt rendu par [elle] » (Demande
en interprétation de l’arrêt du 15 juin 1962 en l’affaire du Temple de Préah Vihéar
(Cambodge c. Thaïlande) (Cambodge c. Thaïlande), mesures conservatoires,
ordonnance du 18 juillet 2011, C.I.J. Recueil 2011 (II), p. 542, par. 22) [et que]
l’existence d’une contestation au sens de l’article 60 du Statut « n’exige pas que
soient remplis les mêmes critères que ceux qui déterminent l’existence d’un
différend visé au paragraphe 2 de l’article 36 du Statut » (ibid. ; voir également
Interprétation des arrêts nos 7 et 8 (usine de Chorzów), arrêt no 11, 1927,
C.P.J.I. série A no 13, p. 10‑12 ; Demande en interprétation de l’arrêt du 31 mars
2004 en l’affaire Avena et autres ressortissants mexicains (Mexique c. Etats-
Unis d’Amérique) (Mexique c. Etats‑Unis d’Amérique), mesures conservatoires,
ordonnance du 16 juillet 2008, C.I.J. Recueil 2008, p. 325, par. 53). » 26
27. Dans l’affaire de la demande en interprétation de l’arrêt Cambodge c. Thaïlande,
la Cour a également affirmé qu’il n’était pas nécessaire qu’une contestation
sur le sens ou la portée d’un arrêt au sens de l’article 60 du Statut se soit formellement
manifestée. Citant la décision de la CPJI en l’affaire de l’Interprétation des
arrêts nos 7 et 8 (usine de Chorzów), elle a expliqué qu’il suffisait « que les Etats
concernés [aient] en fait manifesté des opinions opposées quant au sens et à la portée
d’un arrêt » 27.
28. Quant à la condition qui veut que la contestation porte sur le sens ou la
portée d’un arrêt, la Cour a dit qu’« un différend au sens de l’article 60 du Statut
doit porter sur le dispositif de l’arrêt en cause et ne peut concerner les motifs que
dans la mesure où ceux‑ci sont inséparables du dispositif » 28. La Cour a de plus
précisé « qu’une divergence de vues sur la question de savoir si tel ou tel point a été
26 Demande en interprétation de l’arrêt du 15 juin 1962 en l’affaire du Temple de
Préah Vihéar (Cambodge c. Thaïlande) (Cambodge c. Thaïlande), arrêt, C.I.J. Recueil 2013,
p. 295‑296, par. 33.
27 Ibid., citant Interprétation des arrêts nos 7 et 8 (usine de Chorzów), arrêt no 11, 1927,
C.P.J.I. série A no 13, p. 11. Voir également Demande en revision et en interprétation de
l’arrêt du 24 février 1982 en l’affaire du Plateau continental (Tunisie/Jamahiriya arabe
libyenne) (Tunisie c. Jamahiriya arabe libyenne), arrêt, C.I.J. Recueil 1985, p. 217‑218,
par. 46 ; Demande en interprétation de l’arrêt du 31 mars 2004 en l’affaire Avena et autres
ressortissants mexicains (Mexique c. Etats‑Unis d’Amérique) (Mexique c. Etats‑Unis d’Amérique),
mesures conservatoires, ordonnance du 16 juillet 2008, C.I.J. Recueil 2008, p. 325‑326,
par. 54.
28 Demande en interprétation de l’arrêt du 15 juin 1962 en l’affaire du Temple de
Préah Vihéar (Cambodge c. Thaïlande) (Cambodge c. Thaïlande), arrêt, C.I.J. Recueil 2013,
p. 296, par. 34, citant l’ordonnance en indication de mesures conservatoires du
18 juillet 2011 rendue en la même affaire (C.I.J. Recueil 2011(II), p. 542, par. 23) ;
Demande en interprétation de l’arrêt du 11 juin 1998 en l’affaire de la Frontière terrestre et
maritime entre le Cameroun et le Nigéria (Cameroun c. Nigéria), exceptions préliminaires
(Nigéria c. Cameroun), arrêt, C.I.J. Recueil 1999 (I), p. 35, par. 10 ; Demande
en interprétation de l’arrêt du 31 mars 2004 en l’affaire Avena et autres ressortissants
mexicains
(Mexique c. Etats‑Unis d’Amérique) (Mexique c. Etats‑Unis d’Amérique),
26
ference of opinion as to whether a particular point has or has not been decided
with binding force also constitutes a case which comes within Article 60 of the
Statute” 29.
(ii) Existence of a dispute as to the meaning or scope of an operative part of the
judgment
29. This second condition for the exercise of jurisdiction under Article 60 of the
Statute is fully satisfied by the present Application. There are two precise points in
dispute between the Parties as to the meaning or scope of the 2008 Judgment : the
first point concerns the first part of the operative clause of the Judgment, in which
the Court finds that “sovereignty over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh belongs to
the Republic of Singapore” ; the second point concerns the third part of the operative
clause, in which the Court finds that “sovereignty over South Ledge belongs to
the State in the territorial waters of which it is located”.
(a) Waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh
30. The dispute concerning the meaning or scope of the Court’s finding that
“sovereignty over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh belongs to Singapore” arose
shortly after the delivery of the 2008 Judgment. Singapore, having made official
protests against activities of Malaysian vessels in the waters surrounding Pedra
Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh in the period before the Judgment was handed down,
continued to protest in similar manner as early as 1 September 2008 30.
31. Malaysia promptly opposed the contentions of Singapore that Malaysian
vessels “entered Singapore’s purported territorial waters surrounding Batu Puteh”.
In a diplomatic Note dated 29 October 2008, Malaysia rejected Singapore’s claim
that the waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh are part of Singapore’s
territorial waters.
“The Government of Malaysia also strongly rejects the assertions by
the Republic of Singapore that Malaysia’s alleged activities infringed upon
Singapore’s rights over the waters of Batu Puteh. The waters around Batu
Puteh are part of the territorial waters and maritime areas of Malaysia as
depicted in the Map Defining the Boundaries of the Continental Shelf of
Malaysia of 1979.
In light of the above, the Government of Malaysia strongly affirms that the
maritime areas surrounding Batu Puteh is located within the territorial waters
of Malaysia in accordance with the principles of international law as well as
the Judgment of the International Court of Justice. Malaysia strongly reiterates
that such activities undertaken by Malaysian Government vessels before
concerning Avena and Other Mexican Nationals (Mexico v. United States of America)
(Mexico v. United States of America), Provisional Measures, Order of 16 July 2008,
I.C.J. Reports 2008, p. 323, para. 47.
29 Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 15 June 1962 in the Case concerning the
Temple of Preah Vihear (Cambodia v. Thailand) (Cambodia v. Thailand), Provisional
Measures, Order of 18 July 2011, I.C.J. Reports 2011 (II), p. 544, para. 31.
30 Referred to in Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur, EC53/2008, dated
29 October 2008 (Ann. 121).
27
décidé avec force obligatoire constitue, elle aussi, un cas qui rentre dans le cadre de
l’article 60 du Statut » 29.
ii) Existence d’une contestation quant au sens ou à la portée de points du dispositif
de l’arrêt
29. La présente demande en interprétation satisfait pleinement la deuxième
condition à laquelle l’article 60 du Statut subordonne la compétence de la Cour. La
contestation qui oppose les Parties quant au sens ou à la portée de l’arrêt de 2008
se rapporte à deux points précis de son dispositif : le premier, où la Cour dit que « la
souveraineté sur Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh appartient à la République de
Singapour » ; et le troisième, où elle dit que « la souveraineté sur South Ledge
appartient à l’Etat dans les eaux territoriales duquel il est situé ».
a) Les eaux entourant Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh
30. La contestation concernant le sens ou la portée de la conclusion de la Cour
selon laquelle « la souveraineté sur Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh appartient à la
République de Singapour » s’est élevée entre les Parties peu après le prononcé de
l’arrêt de 2008. Singapour, qui avait déjà émis des protestations au sujet des activités
menées par des navires malaisiens dans les eaux entourant Pedra Branca/Pulau
Batu Puteh, a repris cette pratique après le prononcé de l’arrêt, dès le 1er septembre
2008 30.
31. La Malaisie a rapidement contesté les protestations de Singapour relatives à
des incursions alléguées de navires malaisiens, qualifiant de « prétendument singapouriennes
» les « eaux territoriales entourant Batu Puteh ». Par une note diplomatique
en date du 29 octobre 2008, elle a rejeté la prétention de Singapour selon
laquelle les eaux entourant Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh feraient partie de ses
eaux territoriales.
« Le Gouvernement malaisien rejette aussi catégoriquement les assertions
de la République de Singapour selon lesquelles la Malaisie se livrerait à des
activités portant atteinte à ses droits sur les eaux baignant Batu Puteh. Les
eaux qui entourent Batu Puteh font partie des eaux territoriales et des zones
maritimes de la Malaisie telles qu’elles sont figurées sur la carte de 1979 définissant
les limites de son plateau continental.
Compte tenu de ce qui précède, le Gouvernement malaisien affirme formellement
que les espaces maritimes entourant Batu Puteh sont compris dans les
eaux territoriales malaisiennes conformément aux principes du droit international
et à l’arrêt rendu par la Cour internationale de Justice. Il tient aussi à
réaffirmer très clairement que les activités menées dans lesdites eaux par la
mesures conservatoires, ordonnance du 16 juillet 2008, C.I.J. Recueil 2008, p. 323,
par. 47.
29 Demande en interprétation de l’arrêt du 15 juin 1962 en l’affaire du Temple de
Préah Vihéar (Cambodge c. Thaïlande) (Cambodge c. Thaïlande), mesures conservatoires,
ordonnance du 18 juillet 2011, C.I.J. Recueil 2011 (II), p. 544, par. 31.
30 Il est fait référence à cette protestation dans la note verbale EC53/2008 en date du
29 octobre 2008 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala
Lumpur par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie (annexe 121).
28
the judgment of the ICJ were also an exercise of sovereignty and jurisdiction
over its own territorial waters and maritime areas.” 31
32. In the following years, Malaysia has consistently restated its rejection of
Singapore’s contention that the waters surrounding Pedra Branca are part of Singapore’s
territorial waters 32. Malaysia has also indicated its objection in numerous
diplomatic Notes to various activities of Singapore within the airspace and territorial
waters of Malaysia surrounding Pedra Branca. These objections can be
grouped into three categories. First, Malaysia has consistently objected to the
presence of aircraft belonging to Singapore in Malaysia’s airspace off the coast of
the State of Johor. Second, Malaysia has frequently objected to the incursion of
Singapore Government vessels into Malaysia’s territorial waters surrounding
Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh. Third, Malaysia has rejected categorically Singapore’s
designation of a restricted flight area (Restricted Area WSR31) and continuous
issuance of a “Notice to Airmen” (NOT AM) each day covering airspace
extending to a radius of 3 nautical miles around Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh
within Malaysia’s airspace over the waters off the coast of the State of Johor without
prior consent from Malaysia. In this lengthy series of diplomatic Notes,
Malaysia took the opportunity to restate its understanding that the waters around
Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh are within the territorial waters of Malaysia. The
Government reiterated this position in these terms :
“The Government of Malaysia wishes to also remind the Government of
Singapore that the airspace over the waters around Batu Puteh, which is
located within the territorial waters of Malaysia in accordance with the principles
of international law as well as the Judgment of the ICJ, is part of Malaysia’s
airspace.
The Government of Malaysia further reiterates that any and all activities
undertaken by Malaysia in its territory, including activities pertaining to and
31 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur, EC53/2008, dated 29 October 2008
(Ann. 121).
32 Notes Verbales from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur: EC72/2009, dated 3 July 2009 (Ann. 71);
EC161/2010, dated 1 November 2010 (Ann. 72); EC164/2010, dated 1 November 2010
(Ann. 73); EC167/2010, dated 1 November 2010 (Ann. 74); EC168/2010, dated 1 November
2010 (Ann. 75); EC60/2011, dated 19 April 2011 (Ann. 76); EC61/2011, dated 19 April 2011
(Ann. 77); EC107/2011, dated 8 July 2011 (Ann. 78); EC122/2011, dated 22 August 2011
(Ann. 79); EC124/2011, dated 22 August 2011 (Ann. 80); EC145/2011, dated 30 September
2011 (Ann. 81); EC146/2011, dated 30 September 2011 (Ann. 82); EC18/2012, dated
14 February 2012 (Ann. 83); EC30/2012, dated 17 February 2012 (Ann. 84); EC31/2012,
dated 17 February 2012 (Ann. 85); EC69/2012, dated 24 April 2012 (Ann. 86); EC70/2012,
dated 9 May 2012 (Ann. 87); EC81/2012, dated 9 May 2012 (Ann. 88); EC88/2012, dated
1 June 2012 (Ann. 89); EC90/2012, dated 6 June 2012 (Ann. 90); EC7/2014, dated 27 January
2014 (Ann. 91); EC9/2014, dated 28 January 2014 (Ann. 92); EC11/2014, dated 29 January
2014 (Ann. 93); EC14/2014, dated 30 January 2014 (Ann. 94); EC17/2014, dated 4 February
2014 (Ann. 95); EC18/2014, dated 5 February 2014 (Ann. 96); EC22/2014, dated 7 February
2014 (Ann. 97); EC144/16, dated 24 November 2016 (Ann. 98).
29
Malaisie avant le prononcé de l’arrêt de la Cour étaient également une manifestation
de la souveraineté et de la juridiction qu’elle détient sur ses eaux
territoriales et ses zones maritimes. » 31
32. Pendant les années qui ont suivi, la Malaisie a constamment réitéré son rejet
de l’assertion de Singapour selon laquelle les eaux entourant Pedra Branca feraient
partie de ses eaux territoriales 32. Par de nombreuses notes diplomatiques, elle a
également élevé des objections au sujet de diverses activités menées par Singapour
dans les eaux territoriales malaisiennes entourant Pedra Branca et dans l’espace
aérien surjacent. Ces objections peuvent être rangées en trois catégories. Premièrement,
les objections que la Malaisie a systématiquement exprimées au sujet de la
présence d’aéronefs appartenant à Singapour dans l’espace aérien malaisien situé
au large de la côte de l’Etat du Johor. Deuxièmement, celles qu’elle a fréquemment
élevées au sujet d’incursions de navires d’Etat singapouriens dans les eaux territoriales
malaisiennes entourant Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh. Troisièmement, les
objections par lesquelles elle a exprimé son rejet catégorique de la désignation par
Singapour d’une zone de vol réglementée (la zone réglementée WSR31) et de la
diffusion quotidienne par les autorités singapouriennes, sans son autorisation,
d’un « avis aux navigants » (NOTAM) couvrant l’espace aérien situé dans un rayon
de 3 milles marins de Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, à l’intérieur de l’espace
aérien malaisien se trouvant au‑dessus des eaux situées au large de la côte de l’Etat
du Johor. Dans cette longue série de notes diplomatiques, la Malaisie a tenu à
réaffirmer que, pour elle, les eaux entourant Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh
étaient comprises dans les eaux territoriales malaisiennes. Son gouvernement a
rappelé sa position sur ce point dans les termes suivants :
« Le Gouvernement malaisien tient également à rappeler au Gouvernement
singapourien que l’espace aérien situé au‑dessus des eaux entourant Batu
Puteh, laquelle se trouve à l’intérieur des eaux territoriales malaisiennes conformément
aux principes du droit international aussi bien qu’à l’arrêt rendu par
la Cour internationale de Justice, fait partie de l’espace aérien malaisien.
Il réaffirme en outre que toutes les activités, sans exception, menées par la
Malaisie à l’intérieur de son territoire, y compris celles qui concernent l’espace
31 Note verbale EC53/2008 en date du 29 octobre 2008 adressée au haut-commissariat
de
la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la
Malaisie (annexe 121).
32 Notes verbales adressées au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à
Kuala Lumpur par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie : note EC72/2009 en
date du 3 juillet 2009 (annexe 71) ; note EC161/2010 en date du 1er novembre 2010
(annexe 72) ; note EC164/2010 en date du 1er novembre 2010 (annexe 73) ; note EC167/2010
en date du 1er novembre 2010 (annexe 74) ; note EC168/2010 en date du 1er novembre 2010
(annexe 75) ; note EC60/2011 en date du 19 avril 2011 (annexe 76) ; note EC61/2011 en date
du 19 avril 2011 (annexe 77) ; note EC107/2011 en date du 8 juillet 2011 (annexe 78) ; note
EC122/2011 en date du 22 août 2011 (annexe 79) ; note EC124/2011 en date du 22 août 2011
(annexe 80) ; note EC145/2011 en date du 30 septembre 2011 (annexe 81) ; note EC146/2011
en date du 30 septembre 2011 (annexe 82) ; note EC18/2012 en date du 14 février 2012
(annexe 83) ; note EC30/2012 en date du 17 février 2012 (annexe 84) ; note EC31/2012 en
date du 17 février 2012 (annexe 85) ; note EC69/2012 en date du 24 avril 2012 (annexe 86) ;
note EC70/2012 en date du 9 mai 2012 (annexe 87) ; note EC81/2012 en date du 9 mai 2012
(annexe 88) ; note EC88/2012 en date du 1er juin 2012 (annexe 89) ; note EC90/2012 en date
du 6 juin 2012 (annexe 90) ; note EC7/2014 en date du 27 janvier 2014 (annexe 91) ; note
EC9/2014 en date du 28 janvier 2014 (annexe 92) ; note EC11/2014 en date du 29 janvier 2014
(annexe 93) ; note EC14/2014 en date du 30 janvier 2014 (annexe 94) ; note EC17/2014 en
date du 4 février 2014 (annexe 95) ; note EC18/2014 en date du 5 février 2014 (annexe 96) ;
note EC22/2014 en date du 7 février 2014 (annexe 97) ; note EC144/16 en date du 24 novembre
2016 (annexe 98).
30
surrounding the above‑mentioned airspace and its maritime areas are legitimate
exercises of its sovereignty and jurisdiction. Malaysian Government
vessels
and aircraft have and will continue to patrol and carry out all their
activities in the territorial waters, maritime areas and airspace of Malaysia.” 33
33. Singapore has responded to Malaysia’s diplomatic Notes by rejecting the
position stated by Malaysia that the waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu
Puteh remain within Malaysia’s territorial waters. In 2010, Singapore referred to the
2008 Judgment as the basis for its objection to Malaysia’s activities. In the following
statement, Singapore describes its understanding of the 2008 Judgment, which
stands in marked disagreement with the position clearly stated by Malaysia.
“The Government of Singapore strongly rejects the assertion by the Government
of Malaysia that the waters around Pedra Branca are territorial
waters of Malaysia, as well as the assertion that the airspace over the waters
around Pedra Branca is part of Malaysia’s airspace. The Government of
Singapore
reiterates that such assertions are completely baseless. The ICJ in
its Judgment of 23 May 2008 had affirmed that ‘sovereignty over Pedra
Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh belongs to Singapore’ and also spoke of the ‘territorial
waters generated by Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh’. It is incontrovertible
that Singapore’s sovereignty over Pedra Branca clearly extends to
the waters and airspace in and around the island.” 34
34. In 2012, Singapore set forth its disagreement with Malaysia on this point as
follows :
“The Government of Singapore categorically rejects the Government of
Malaysia’s assertion that the Malaysian Marine Department vessel was within
the territorial waters of Malaysia in the stated incident in the aforementioned
Note EC 163/2011. The Government of Singapore also categorically rejects
the Government of Malaysia’s assertion that the Royal Malaysian Navy vessels
were patrolling the territorial waters of Malaysia in the stated incidents in
the aforementioned Note EC 166/2011 and the Government of Malaysia’s
claim that the challenges by the Republic of Singapore Navy vessels and Singapore
Police Coast Guard vessels in the aforementioned incidents were
inconsistent with international law and with the spirit of good neighbourliness
and that of ASEAN solidarity and understanding.” 35
35. In 2013, Singapore issued another protest against alleged intrusions by Malaysian
Government vessels into the waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu
Puteh, and it again set forth its understanding of the meaning and effect of the 2008
Judgment as it concerns the waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Pute :
“The Singapore Government strongly protests these incidents, which not
only infringe Singapore’s sovereign rights over the waters and airspace around
Pedra Branca, but also go against the spirit of the Malaysia‑Singapore Joint
33 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur, EC75/2009, dated 3 July 2009 (Ann. 12).
34 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore to the
High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/SEA/00003/2010, dated 30 March 2010
(Ann. 120).
35 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore to the
High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/SEA/00005/2012, dated 14 February 2012
(Ann. 122).
31
aérien susmentionné et ses zones maritimes, le sont dans l’exercice légitime de
sa souveraineté et de sa juridiction. Les navires et aéronefs d’Etat malaisiens
continueront de procéder à des patrouilles et à mener leurs autres activités dans
les eaux territoriales, les zones maritimes et l’espace aérien de la Malaisie. » 33
33. Singapour a répondu aux notes diplomatiques de la Malaisie en rejetant sa
position selon laquelle les eaux entourant Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh continuaient
de faire partie des eaux territoriales malaisiennes. En 2010, elle a invoqué
l’arrêt de 2008 comme étant le fondement de ses objections aux activités de la Malaisie.
Singapour a exposé son interprétation de l’arrêt de 2008, en contradiction flagrante
avec la position clairement exprimée par la Malaisie, dans les termes suivants :
« Le Gouvernement singapourien rejette énergiquement l’assertion du Gouvernement
malaisien selon laquelle les eaux entourant Pedra Branca/Pulau
Batu Puteh sont des eaux territoriales malaisiennes, de même que son assertion
selon laquelle l’espace aérien situé au-
dessus
de ces eaux fait partie de
l’espace aérien de la Malaisie. Il réaffirme que ces assertions sont totalement
dénuées de fondement. Dans son arrêt du 23 mai 2008, la Cour internationale
de Justice a dit que « la souveraineté sur Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh
appartient à Singapour » et a également fait mention des « eaux territoriales
générées par Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh ». La souveraineté de Singapour
sur Pedra Branca s’étend incontestablement à l’espace aérien surjacent, aux
eaux entourant l’île et à l’espace aérien situé au-
dessus
de celles‑ci. » 34
34. En 2012, Singapour a exprimé son désaccord avec la Malaisie sur ce point
dans les termes suivants :
« Le Gouvernement singapourien rejette catégoriquement l’assertion du Gouvernement
malaisien selon laquelle le navire relevant du ministère malaisien de la
marine impliqué dans l’incident signalé dans la note susmentionnée EC163/2011
se serait trouvé dans les eaux territoriales malaisiennes. Il rejette aussi catégoriquement
son assertion selon laquelle des navires de la marine royale malaisienne
procédaient à une patrouille dans les eaux territoriales de la Malaisie lors des
incidents signalés dans la note EC166/2011 susmentionnée, ainsi que celle selon
laquelle, lors desdits incidents, les semonces émises par des navires de la marine
et de la garde côtière singapouriennes étaient contraires au droit international et
incompatibles avec l’esprit qui inspire les relations de bon voisinage ainsi que la
solidarité et l’entente entre les pays membres de l’ASEAN. » 35
35. En 2013, Singapour a élevé une autre protestation au sujet de prétendues
incursions de navires d’Etat malaisiens dans les eaux entourant Pedra Branca/
Pulau Batu Puteh, exposant encore une fois sa position sur le sens et l’effet de
l’arrêt de 2008 pour ce qui concerne ces eaux :
« Le Gouvernement singapourien proteste énergiquement contre ces incidents,
qui non seulement constituent des violations des droits souverains de
Singapour sur les eaux entourant Pedra Branca et l’espace aérien surjacent,
33 Note verbale EC75/2009 en date du 3 juillet 2009 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la
République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la
Malaisie (annexe 12).
34 Note verbale MFA/SEA/00003/2010 en date du 30 mars 2010 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la République
de Singapour (annexe 120).
35 Note verbale MFA/SEA/00005/2012 en date du 14 février 2012 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la République
de Singapour (annexe 122).
32
Technical Committee, in particular the mutual agreement between Malaysia
and Singapore to honour and abide by the International Court of Justice
(ICJ) Judgment of 23 May 2008, wherein the ICJ affirmed sovereignty over
Pedra Branca belongs to Singapore, as well as the mutual agreement to
co‑operate to maintain a calm situation on the ground and prevent incidents
in the waters around Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks and South Ledge.” 36
36. More recently, Singapore has filed official protests against the designation
by the Director of Marine, Southern Region, of the Malaysia Marine Department
of dumping grounds for dredged material in Port Circular No. 05/2016. This circular
provides that “dredged material will be transported via barges and disposed off
[sic] in the dumping ground in Malaysian Territorial Sea off the State of Johor” in
four locations specified by co‑ordinates. Singapore has protested that these
co‑ordinates, the southernmost of which lies approximately 4.1 nautical miles
north of Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, encroach into the territorial waters
of Singapore 37. Malaysia in turn has rejected Singapore’s allegation that the
dumping ground encroaches into the territorial waters of Singapore and reaffirms
that the co‑ordinates listed in the Port Circular are within Malaysian territorial
waters 38.
37. The most recent incident provoking an official protest between the Parties
occurred on 13 March 2017, and was the subject of a diplomatic Note sent by
Malaysia to Singapore on 8 June 2017. Malaysia expressed its strong concern and
strongly protested against interference by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
with the search and rescue operations conducted by the relevant Malaysian
agencies following the capsizing and subsequent sinking of a vessel approximately
9.3 nautical miles from the coast of Johor. In addition, Malaysia protested the
placement of an isolated danger buoy in Malaysia’s territorial waters by the Singaporean
authorities without the Government of Malaysia’s prior approval and
authorization. The Note drew attention to
“the illegal activities undertaken by Singapore’s agencies, notably the Maritime
and Port Authority of Singapore, clearly within Malaysia’s territorial
waters which violate Malaysia’s sovereignty, jurisdiction and territorial integrity
under the relevant principles of international laws, in particular the provisions
of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982” 39.
36 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore to the
High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/SEA1/00047/2013, dated 18 June 2013
(Ann. 123).
37 Notes Verbales from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore to
the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore: MFA/SEA1/00012/2016, dated 27 April 2016
(Ann. 66); MFA/SEA1/00017/2016, dated 13 May 2016 (Ann. 67); MFA/SEA1/00031/2016,
dated 11 August 2016 (Ann. 68); MFA/SEA1/00048/2016, dated 19 December 2016
(Ann. 69); MFA/SEA1/00011/2017, dated 8 February 2017 (Ann. 70).
38 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur, EC71/16, dated 28 June 2016 (Ann. 61).
39 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur, EC63/17, dated 8 June 2017 (Ann. 62).
33
mais sont contraires à l’esprit dans lequel a été créée la commission technique
mixte Malaisie‑Singapour, en particulier à l’engagement pris d’un commun
accord par les deux Etats de respecter et exécuter l’arrêt rendu le 23 mai 2008
par la Cour internationale de Justice (CIJ), aux termes duquel la souveraineté
sur Pedra Branca appartient à Singapour, ainsi qu’à la décision qu’ils ont
prise d’un commun accord de coopérer au maintien d’une situation paisible
sur le terrain et à la prévention d’incidents dans les eaux entourant
Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks et South Ledge. » 36
36. Plus récemment, Singapour a officiellement protesté contre la circulaire portuaire
no 05/2016 du directeur de la marine pour la région méridionale du ministère
malaisien de la marine portant désignation d’un site d’immersion de matériaux de
dragage. Cette circulaire prévoit ce qui suit : « Les matériaux dragués seront transportés
sur des barges et déversés dans un site d’immersion situé dans les eaux territoriales
malaisiennes au large des côtes de l’Etat du Johor », en quatre points dont
les coordonnées sont spécifiées. Singapour a protesté au motif que selon ces coordonnées,
qui situent le plus méridional des quatre points à approximativement
4,1 milles marins au nord de Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, le site empiéterait
sur ses eaux territoriales 37. La Malaisie a répondu en rejetant l’allégation de Singapour
selon laquelle le site d’immersion empiéterait sur les eaux territoriales singapouriennes,
et a réaffirmé que les coordonnées spécifiées dans la circulaire portuaire
désignent des points situés dans les eaux territoriales malaisiennes 38.
37. L’incident le plus récent à avoir provoqué un échange de protestations officielles
entre les Parties s’est produit le 13 mars 2017 ; la Malaisie a adressé à ce sujet
à Singapour une note diplomatique en date du 8 juin 2017 dans laquelle elle s’est
déclarée vivement préoccupée par l’ingérence de l’autorité maritime et portuaire de
Singapour dans les opérations de recherche et de sauvetage entreprises par les
autorités malaisiennes compétentes à la suite du chavirement et du naufrage d’un
navire se trouvant à environ 9,3 milles marins de la côte du Johor, et a protesté
énergiquement contre pareille ingérence. Elle a également protesté par cette note
contre l’installation dans ses eaux territoriales d’une bouée de danger isolée, décidée
par les autorités singapouriennes sans l’avoir préalablement consultée ni avoir
obtenu son autorisation. Dans la même note, la Malaisie a en outre fait état
« des activités illicites entreprises par des entités singapouriennes, notamment
l’autorité maritime et portuaire de Singapour, en des lieux manifestement
situés dans les eaux territoriales malaisiennes, activités qui portent atteinte à
sa souveraineté, sa juridiction et son intégrité territoriale au mépris des principes
pertinents du droit international, en particulier ceux établis par la
convention des Nations Unies sur le droit de la mer de 1982 » 39.
36 Note verbale MFA/SEA1/00047/2013 en date du 18 juin 2013 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la République
de Singapour (annexe 123).
37 Notes verbales adressées au haut-commissariat
de la Malaisie à Singapour par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour : note MFA/SEA1/00012/
2016 en date du 27 avril 2016 (annexe 66) ; note MFA/SEA1/00017/2016 en date du 13 mai
2016 (annexe 67) ; note MFA/SEA1/00031/2016 en date du 11 août 2016 (annexe 68) ;
note MFA/SEA1/00048/2016 en date du 19 décembre 2016 (annexe 69) ; note MFA/SEA1/
00011/2017 en date du 8 février 2017 (annexe 70).
38 Note verbale EC71/16 en date du 28 juin 2016 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la
République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la
Malaisie (annexe 61).
39 Note verbale EC63/17 en date du 8 juin 2017 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la
République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la
Malaisie (annexe 62).
34
38. Finally, Malaysia notes that in at least three diplomatic Notes, Singapore
has officially protested against Malaysian activities in the waters lying more than
10 nautical miles from the island of Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh. Singapore
has alleged that its territorial waters have been intruded upon as far away as
11.6 nautical miles from Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh 40. Such an extensive
claim to territorial waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh is entirely
at odds with the consistent position maintained by Malaysia, which is based on the
2008 Judgment and the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea 1982.
(b) Sovereignty over South Ledge
39. The dispute concerning the Court’s finding that “sovereignty over South
Ledge belongs to the State in the territorial waters of which it is located” emerged
very shortly after the Judgment was delivered on 23 May 2008 when three months
later, on 23 August 2008, Singapore lodged an official protest against Malaysia’s
actions at South Ledge. It stated :
“The Singapore Government protests Malaysia’s unilateral actions at
South Ledge, which go against the spirit of the Malaysia‑Singapore Joint
Technical Committee, and are inconsistent with the mutual agreement to honour
and abide by the ICJ Judgment. Malaysia’s actions at South Ledge are
not helpful towards the common goal of reaching a peaceful and amicable
resolution of the issues relating to the ICJ Judgment. The Singapore Government
seeks the co‑operation of the Malaysian Government to ensure the
immediate cessation of its current activities on South Ledge, and to refrain
from conducting further activities there until the status of South Ledge has
been determined through the process of maritime boundary delimitation
between our two countries.”
40. In its response, Malaysia immediately set out an opposing view of the
meaning
and effect of the dispositif of the 2008 Judgment as it relates to South
Ledge :
“The Government of Malaysia wishes to emphasize that the ICJ concluded
that ‘sovereignty over South Ledge, as a low‑tide elevation, belongs to the
State in the territorial waters of which it is located’. In light of the ICJ Judgment,
the Government of Malaysia strongly affirms that as Tubir Selatan/
South Ledge is 7.9 nautical miles from the mainland of Johor and 1.7 nautical
miles from Batuan Tengah/Middle Rocks, it is clearly located within the territorial
waters of Malaysia. It naturally follows that sovereignty over Tubir
Selatan/South Ledge belongs to Malaysia in accordance with the principles
of international law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the
Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, as well as the Judgment of the ICJ. The
Government of Malaysia reiterates that Tubir Selatan/South Ledge has
always been part of the territory of Johor as affirmed by the Court in the
40 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore to the
High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/SEA1/00002/2012, dated 2 May 2012
(Ann. 124).
35
38. Enfin, la Malaisie relève que, dans au moins trois de ses notes diplomatiques,
Singapour a protesté officiellement contre les activités menées par elle dans
des eaux situées à plus de 10 milles marins de l’île de Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu
Puteh. Singapour s’est plainte de prétendues incursions dans ses eaux territoriales
en des points situés jusqu’à 11,6 milles marins de Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh 40.
Sa prétention, dans le périmètre de Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, à des
eaux territoriales
s’étendant à une telle distance de l’île est en conflit flagrant avec
la position qui a toujours été celle de la Malaisie, fondée sur l’arrêt de 2008 et
les règles énoncées dans la convention des Nations Unies sur le droit de la mer
de 1982.
b) La souveraineté sur South Ledge
39. La contestation concernant la conclusion de la Cour selon laquelle « la souveraineté
sur South Ledge appartient à l’Etat dans les eaux territoriales duquel il
est situé » s’est élevée très peu de temps après le prononcé de l’arrêt, lorsque Singapour,
le 23 août 2008, soit au bout de trois mois, a émis une protestation officielle
au sujet des activités menées par la Malaisie sur South Ledge. Cette protestation
était exprimée dans les termes suivants :
« Le Gouvernement singapourien tient à protester contre les activités
menées unilatéralement par la Malaisie sur South Ledge, qui sont contraires à
l’esprit dans lequel a été créée la commission technique mixte Malaisie-Singapour
et incompatibles avec l’engagement pris d’un commun accord par
les deux Etats de respecter et exécuter l’arrêt rendu par la Cour internationale
de Justice. Les activités auxquelles se livre la Malaisie sur South Ledge ne sont
pas de nature à faire avancer les deux pays vers leur but commun, qui est de
régler pacifiquement et à l’amiable les questions qui se posent au sujet de l’arrêt
de la Cour. Le Gouvernement singapourien engage le Gouvernement
malaisien à faire preuve de coopération en mettant fin immédiatement à ses
activités en cours sur South Ledge et en s’abstenant d’en entreprendre de nouvelles
tant que le statut de South Ledge n’aura pas été déterminé par la voie de
la délimitation de la frontière maritime entre nos deux pays. »
40. Dans sa réponse, la Malaisie a d’emblée exposé sa position contradictoire
quant au sens et à l’effet du point du dispositif de l’arrêt de 2008 se rapportant à
South Ledge :
« Le Gouvernement malaisien tient à souligner que la Cour internationale de
Justice a conclu que « la souveraineté sur South Ledge, en tant que haut-fond
découvrant, appartient à l’Etat dans les eaux territoriales duquel il est situé ».
A la lumière de l’arrêt, la Malaisie affirme catégoriquement que Tubir Selatan/
South Ledge, se trouvant à 7,9 milles marins de la partie continentale du Johor
et 1,7 mille marin de Batuan Tengah/Middle Rocks, est incontestablement
situé dans les eaux territoriales malaisiennes. Il en découle naturellement que la
souveraineté sur Tubir Selatan/South Ledge appartient à la Malaisie conformément
aux principes du droit international, en particulier ceux établis par la
convention des Nations Unies sur le droit de la mer de 1982 (CNUDM), ainsi
qu’à l’arrêt de la Cour internationale de Justice. Le Gouvernement malaisien
réaffirme que Tubir Selatan/South Ledge a toujours fait partie du territoire du
40 Note verbale MFA/SEA1/00002/2012 en date du 2 mai 2012 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la République
de Singapour (annexe 124).
36
above‑mentioned Judgment and Malaysia has sovereignty over Tubir Selatan/
South Ledge.” 41
41. Following this exchange, Malaysia continually protested against incursions
by Singaporean Government aircraft into the airspace over South Ledge, both
by diplomatic correspondence and through the bilateral channels provided by
the MSJTC. In addition, Malaysia continued to articulate consistently its interpretation
of the dispositif of the 2008 Judgment as it applies to South Ledge. In 2011,
for example, it reiterated its understanding of the meaning and effect of the 2008
Judgment in these terms :
“Due to the proximity of South Ledge to the mainland of Johor and Middle
Rocks, it is clear that South Ledge is located within the territorial waters
of Malaysia. It naturally follows that sovereignty over South Ledge belongs
to Malaysia in accordance with the Judgment of the ICJ. As such, the Government
of Malaysia wishes to remind the Government of the Republic of
Singapore that the airspace above South Ledge is part of Malaysia’s airspace
following the Judgment of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)
of 23 May 2008 whereby the ICJ reaffirms Malaysia’s sovereignty over
Middle
Rocks and further stated that ‘sovereignty over South Ledge, as a
low‑tide elevation, belongs to the State in the territorial waters of which it is
located’.” 42
42. Singapore has formally rejected the position set out by Malaysia in numerous
formal protests during the post‑Judgment period. In 2010, for example, Singapore
exchanged with Malaysia a diplomatic Note which stated :
“The Government of Singapore again rejects the claim of the Government
of Malaysia that sovereignty over South Ledge belongs to Malaysia. In its
Judgment of 23 May 2008, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that
sovereignty over South Ledge belongs to the State in the territorial waters of
which it is located. The Government of Singapore reiterates that the status of
South Ledge can only be determined through the process of maritime boundary
delimitation between the two countries.” 43
43. Most recently, Malaysia has restated its interpretation of the operative
clause of the 2008 Judgment in the following terms :
“The Government of Malaysia wishes to state that in view of this Judgment
which held, inter alia, that sovereignty over Middle Rocks belongs to Malaysia,
Malaysia takes the position that, on a true interpretation of the Judgment,
South Ledge falls within the territorial sea of Malaysia and is thus subject to
the sovereignty of Malaysia. Malaysia requests that the Government of Singapore
respect and act in accordance with this determination. The Government
of Malaysia avers that it is willing to discuss with the Government of
41 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia to the High Commission
of the Republic of Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, EC52/2008, dated 29 October 2008
(Ann. 7).
42 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia to the High
Commission
of the Republic of Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, EC99/2011, dated 29 June 2011
(Ann. 32).
43 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore to the
High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/SEA/00003/2010, dated 30 March 2010
(Ann. 120).
37
Johor, comme la Cour l’a confirmé dans l’arrêt susmentionné, et que la souveraineté
sur Tubir Selatan/South Ledge appartient à la Malaisie. » 41
41. A la suite de cet échange de notes, la Malaisie n’a cessé de protester
contre les incursions d’aéronefs singapouriens dans l’espace aérien situé au-
dessus
de South Ledge, tant par des notes diplomatiques que lors de contacts bilatéraux
s’inscrivant dans le cadre des travaux de la commission technique mixte. La
Malaisie
a en outre rappelé à maintes reprises son interprétation invariable du
point du dispositif de l’arrêt de 2008 se rapportant à South Ledge. En 2011, par
exemple, elle a réitéré qu’elle interprétait comme suit le sens et l’effet de l’arrêt
de 2008 :
« Il est clair que vu sa proximité avec la partie continentale du Johor, et
aussi sa proximité avec Middle Rocks, South Ledge est situé dans les eaux
territoriales malaisiennes. Il en découle naturellement que la souveraineté sur
South Ledge appartient à la Malaisie conformément à l’arrêt de la Cour internationale
de Justice. Cela étant, le Gouvernement malaisien tient à rappeler
au Gouvernement singapourien que l’espace situé au-
dessus
de South Ledge
fait partie de l’espace aérien malaisien en vertu de l’arrêt rendu par la Cour le
23 mai 2008, par lequel celle-
ci, concluant que « la souveraineté sur
South Ledge, en tant que haut-fond découvrant, appartient à l’Etat dans les
eaux territoriales duquel il est situé », a confirmé que la souveraineté sur cette
formation appartenait à la Malaisie. » 42
42. Depuis le prononcé de l’arrêt, Singapour a émis de nombreuses protestations
officielles rejetant formellement la position adoptée par la Malaisie. C’est
ainsi que, dans une note diplomatique adressée à la Malaisie en 2010, elle s’est
exprimée dans les termes suivants :
« Le Gouvernement singapourien rejette une fois encore la prétention de la
Malaisie à la souveraineté sur South Ledge. Selon l’arrêt rendu le 23 mai 2008
par la Cour internationale de Justice, la souveraineté sur South Ledge appartient
à l’Etat dans les eaux territoriales duquel il est situé. Le Gouvernement
singapourien réaffirme que le statut de South Ledge ne pourra être déterminé
qu’après délimitation de la frontière maritime entre les deux pays. » 43
43. Plus récemment, la Malaisie a une nouvelle fois exposé, dans les termes suivants,
son interprétation du dispositif de l’arrêt de 2008 :
« Le Gouvernement malaisien tient à préciser que sa position est la suivante
: l’arrêt disposant notamment que la souveraineté sur Middle Rocks
appartient à la Malaisie, son interprétation correcte veut que South Ledge soit
situé dans la mer territoriale de la Malaisie et relève donc de sa souveraineté.
La Malaisie demande au Gouvernement singapourien de respecter cette décision
de la Cour et de s’y conformer. Le Gouvernement malaisien se déclare
disposé à examiner avec le Gouvernement singapourien la question de la déli-
41 Note verbale EC52/2008 en date du 29 octobre 2008 adressée au haut-commissariat
de
la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la
Malaisie (annexe 7).
42 Note verbale EC99/2011 en date du 29 juin 2011 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la
République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la
Malaisie (annexe 32).
43 Note verbale MFA/SEA/00003/2010 en date du 30 mars 2010 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la République
de Singapour (annexe 120).
38
Singapore the question of the consequential delimitation of the relevant
areas.” 44
44. In light of these diplomatic exchanges, the precise point on which a dispute
has emerged as to the meaning and scope of the 2008 Judgment is whether or not
the operative clause of the 2008 Judgment has indeed decided with binding force
the question of sovereignty over South Ledge. In the Special Agreement by which
the Parties jointly initiated proceedings before the Court on 24 July 2003, the Parties
requested the Court “to determine whether sovereignty over . . . South
Ledge . . . belongs to Malaysia or the Republic of Singapore” 45. The relevant section
of the operative clause of the 2008 Judgment states that “sovereignty over
South Ledge belongs to the State in the territorial waters of which it is located” 46.
45. Singapore’s official statements indicate that Singapore understands this section
of the dispositif to mean that the question of sovereignty over South Ledge has
not been decided at all, since Singapore has stated that “the status of South Ledge
can only be determined through the process of maritime boundary delimitation
between the two countries”. A further indication that Singapore considers that the
2008 Judgment’s operative clause has not decided the question of sovereignty over
South Ledge can be seen in Singapore’s repeated request that Malaysia refrain
from any activities on, over or around South Ledge until a maritime boundary
delimitation has been completed by the Parties. Singapore does not accept Malaysia’s
understanding that the 2008 Judgment allocated to Malaysia sovereignty over
South Ledge, but nor does it make explicit claims to have sovereignty over South
Ledge in its own right. Put simply, Singapore’s position entails the interpretation
that the 2008 Judgment’s operative clause does not answer the specific question
posed to it by the Parties.
46. In contrast, Malaysia considers that the Court has discharged its function
under the Special Agreement by specifying the formula whose application allows
the status of South Ledge to be determined. As Malaysia understands it, the application
of this formula naturally leads to the conclusion that Malaysia has sovereignty
over South Ledge because South Ledge falls within the territorial waters of
Malaysia. As Malaysia has stated repeatedly, Malaysia has sovereignty both over
the nearest feature to South Ledge, Middle Rocks (at a distance of 1.7 nautical
miles), and over the nearest mainland territory, Johor (at a distance of 7.9 nautical
miles). Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh lies 2.2 nautical miles away, and the island
of Singapore itself lies approximately 22 nautical miles away.
47. It should be noted that the Parties’ differing interpretations of the meaning
and effect of the first part of the 2008 Judgment’s operative clause rely to a certain
extent on the Court’s characterization of South Ledge as a low‑tide elevation.
Although the operative clause of the 2008 Judgment does not expressly refer to
South Ledge as a low‑tide elevation, this step in the Court’s reasoning is clearly
inseparable from the operative clause. In the 2008 Judgment, the Court opened its
analysis of the issue of sovereignty over South Ledge by noting that “[w]ith regard
to South Ledge, however, there are special problems to be considered, inasmuch as
South Ledge, as distinct from Middle Rocks, presents a special geographical fea-
44 Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia to the High
Commission
of the Republic of Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, EC46/17, dated 20 April 2017
(Ann. 63).
45 Case concerning Sovereignty over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and
South Ledge (Malaysia/Singapore), Judgment, I.C.J. Reports 2008, pp. 17‑18, para. 2.
46 Ibid., p. 102, para. 300.
39
mitation des zones pertinentes à laquelle il y a lieu de procéder en conséquence.
» 44
44. Il ressort de ces échanges de correspondance diplomatique que le point précis
sur lequel une contestation s’est élevée entre les Parties quant au sens et à la
portée de l’arrêt de 2008 est celui de savoir si son dispositif a ou non tranché avec
force obligatoire la question de la souveraineté sur South Ledge. Aux termes du
compromis par lequel elles ont conjointement introduit une instance devant la
Cour le 24 juillet 2003, les Parties l’ont priée « de déterminer si la souveraineté
sur … South Ledge … [appartenait] à la Malaisie ou à la République de Singapour
» 45. Selon le point pertinent du dispositif de l’arrêt de 2008, « la souveraineté
sur South Ledge appartient à l’Etat dans les eaux territoriales duquel il est situé » 46.
45. D’après ses déclarations officielles, Singapour interprète ce point du dispositif
comme signifiant que la question de la souveraineté sur South Ledge n’a aucunement
été tranchée, étant donné que, pour elle, « le statut de South Ledge ne
pourra être déterminé qu’après délimitation de la frontière maritime entre les deux
pays ». Un autre signe que Singapour considère que le point du dispositif de l’arrêt
de 2008 n’a pas tranché la question de la souveraineté sur South Ledge est qu’elle
a maintes fois demandé à la Malaisie de s’abstenir de mener toute activité sur
South Ledge, dans les eaux qui l’entourent ou dans l’espace aérien surjacent tant
qu’il n’aura pas été procédé à la délimitation de la frontière maritime entre les
Parties. Singapour n’admet pas l’interprétation de la Malaisie selon laquelle l’arrêt
de 2008 lui a attribué la souveraineté sur South Ledge, sans toutefois émettre de
son côté une revendication expresse de souveraineté sur cette formation. En bref,
la position adoptée par Singapour implique qu’elle interprète le point pertinent du
dispositif de l’arrêt de 2008 comme n’ayant pas répondu à la question précise posée
à la Cour par les Parties.
46. La Malaisie, en revanche, considère que la Cour s’est dûment acquittée du
rôle que lui assignait le compromis en indiquant la formule dont l’application permet
de déterminer le statut de South Ledge. Telle que l’entend la Malaisie, l’application
de cette formule conduit naturellement à conclure que la souveraineté sur
South Ledge lui appartient, du fait qu’il est situé dans les eaux territoriales malaisiennes.
Comme elle l’a déclaré à maintes reprises, la Malaisie exerce sa souveraineté
à la fois sur la formation la plus proche de South Ledge (Middle Rocks, situé
à une distance de 1,7 mille marin) et sur le territoire continental le plus proche
(celui du Johor, dont la côte est située à une distance de 7,9 milles marins).
South Ledge se trouve à une distance de 2,2 milles marins de Pedra Branca/Pulau
Batu Puteh et d’environ 22 milles marins de l’île de Singapour.
47. Il est à noter que la divergence d’interprétations qui existe entre les Parties
au sujet du sens et de l’effet du premier point du dispositif de l’arrêt de 2008 tient
en partie à ce que la Cour a considéré South Ledge comme un haut-fond découvrant.
Même si, dans le dispositif, South Ledge n’est pas expressément qualifié de
« haut-fond découvrant », la partie du raisonnement de la Cour dans laquelle elle a
retenu cette qualification est manifestement indissociable du dispositif. Dans son
arrêt de 2008, la Cour a abordé son analyse de la question de la souveraineté sur
South Ledge en faisant observer ceci : « [s]’agissant de South Ledge, cependant,
certains problèmes particuliers doivent être pris en considération, dans la mesure
44 Note verbale EC46/17 en date du 20 avril 2017 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la
République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la
Malaisie (annexe 63).
45 Souveraineté sur Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks et South Ledge
(Malaisie/Singapour), arrêt, C.I.J. Recueil 2008, p. 17‑18, par. 2.
46 Ibid., p. 102, par. 300.
40
ture as a low‑tide elevation” 47. The Court proceeds to consider the definition of
low‑tide elevation provided in Article 13 of the United Nations Convention on the
Law of the Sea, and the Court’s own prior jurisprudence concerning the appropriation
of low‑tide elevations, before noting that the Court was not mandated by
the Parties to draw the line of delimitation between their respective territorial
waters. It concludes its analysis of the status of South Ledge by pronouncing that
“for the reasons stated above sovereignty over South Ledge, as a low‑tide elevation,
belongs to the State in the territorial waters of which it is located” 48. In view
of the fact that the characterization of South Ledge as a low‑tide elevation is inseparable
from the operative clause or an “essential condition” 49 of the decision, the
dispute which forms the subject of this Application remains within the scope of
Article 60 of the Statute.
48. Since there exists a dispute between the Parties as to the meaning and scope
of the operative clause of the 2008 Judgment as it relates to sovereignty over the
waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh and over South Ledge,
Malaysia maintains that the Court has jurisdiction to deliver an interpretation of
the 2008 Judgment.
B. Admissibility
49. Having shown that the Court has jurisdiction to interpret its 2008 Judgment,
Malaysia will briefly demonstrate that its Application is admissible and
should be accepted by the Court.
50. Since the Court’s jurisdiction to interpret is founded on the “primacy of the
principle of res judicata” 50, the Court has insisted that
“[t]he real purpose of the request [for interpretation] must be to obtain an
interpretation of the judgment. This signifies that its object must be solely to
obtain clarification of the meaning and the scope of what the Court has
decided with binding force, and not to obtain an answer to questions not so
decided. Any other construction of Article 60 of the Statute would nullify the
provision of the Article that the judgment is final and without appeal.” 51
51. Malaysia is requesting a clarification from the Court of the findings which it
reached in the 2008 Judgment. Malaysia understands that the interpretation provided
by the Court would be binding on both Malaysia and Singapore. Such an
interpretation would serve as a basis for the maintenance of orderly and peaceful
relations between the Parties in the management of their maritime zones and airspace
in the future.
47 I.C.J. Reports 2008, p. 99, para. 291.
48 Ibid., p. 101, para. 299.
49 Interpretation of Judgments Nos. 7 and 8 (Factory at Chorzów), Judgment No. 11, 1927,
P.C.I.J., Series A, No. 13, p. 20.
50 Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 11 June 1998 in the Case concerning the
Land and Maritime Boundary between Cameroon and Nigeria (Cameroon v. Nigeria),
Preliminary Objections (Nigeria v. Cameroon), Judgment, I.C.J. Reports 1999 (I), pp. 36‑37,
para. 12.
51 Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 20 November 1950 in the Asylum Case
(Colombia v. Peru), Judgment, I.C.J. Reports 1950, p. 402, cited in Request for Interpretation
of the Judgment of 15 June 1962 in the Case concerning the Temple of Preah Vihear
(Cambodia v. Thailand) (Cambodia v. Thailand), Judgment, I.C.J. Reports 2013, p. 303,
para. 55.
41
où cette formation, à la différence de Middle Rocks, présente une caractéristique
géographique particulière, à savoir qu’il s’agit d’un haut-fond découvrant » 47. Elle
s’est ensuite intéressée à la définition des hauts-fonds découvrants figurant à l’article
13 de la convention des Nations Unies sur le droit de la mer, et a examiné sa
jurisprudence au sujet de l’appropriation de hauts-fonds découvrants, après quoi
elle a fait observer qu’elle n’avait pas reçu pour mandat de tracer la ligne de délimitation
entre les eaux territoriales de la Malaisie et celles de Singapour dans la
zone pertinente. Elle a conclu son analyse du statut de South Ledge dans les termes
suivants : « pour les raisons exposées ci-
dessus,
la souveraineté sur South Ledge, en
tant que haut-fond découvrant, appartient à l’Etat dans les eaux territoriales
duquel il est situé » 48. Vu que la qualification de « haut-fond découvrant » appliquée
par la Cour à South Ledge est indissociable du contenu du dispositif de l’arrêt
en ce qu’elle constitue une « condition absolue » 49 de sa décision, la contestation
qui fait l’objet de la présente demande en interprétation entre bien dans le champ
d’application de l’article 60 du Statut.
48. Dès lors qu’il existe une contestation opposant les Parties au sujet du sens et
de la portée du dispositif de son arrêt de 2008 pour ce qui concerne la souveraineté
sur les eaux entourant Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh et sur South Ledge, la
Malaisie considère que la Cour a compétence pour interpréter ledit arrêt.
B. Recevabilité
49. Ayant montré que la Cour a compétence pour interpréter l’arrêt de 2008, la
Malaisie va maintenant expliquer brièvement pourquoi sa demande en interprétation
est recevable.
50. Sa compétence pour interpréter étant subordonnée au respect de « la primauté
du principe de la chose jugée » 50, la Cour a tenu à préciser ce qui suit :
« Il faut que la demande ait réellement pour objet une interprétation de
l’arrêt, ce qui signifie qu’elle doit viser uniquement à faire éclaircir le sens et la
portée de ce qui a été décidé avec force obligatoire par l’arrêt, et non à obtenir
la solution de points qui n’ont pas été ainsi décidés. Toute autre façon d’interpréter
l’article 60 du Statut aurait pour conséquence d’annuler la disposition
de ce même article selon laquelle l’arrêt est définitif et sans recours. » 51
51. La Malaisie prie la Cour d’apporter des éclaircissements sur les conclusions
auxquelles elle est parvenue dans son arrêt de 2008. L’interprétation donnée par la
Cour aurait bien sûr force obligatoire tant pour la Malaisie que pour Singapour, et
permettrait aux deux Parties de gérer leurs zones maritimes et leurs espaces aériens
respectifs dans le cadre de relations pacifiques et harmonieuses.
47 C.I.J. Recueil 2008, p. 99, par. 291.
48 Ibid., p. 101, par. 299.
49 Interprétation des arrêts nos 7 et 8 (usine de Chorzów), arrêt no 11, 1927, C.P.J.I. série A
no 13, p. 20.
50 Demande en interprétation de l’arrêt du 11 juin 1998 en l’affaire de la Frontière terrestre
et maritime entre le Cameroun et le Nigéria (Cameroun c. Nigéria), exceptions préliminaires
(Nigéria c. Cameroun), arrêt, C.I.J. Recueil 1999 (I), p. 36‑37, par. 12.
51 Demande d’interprétation de l’arrêt du 20 novembre 1950 en l’affaire du Droit d’asile
(Colombie c. Pérou), arrêt, C.I.J. Recueil 1950, p. 402, cité dans Demande en interprétation
de l’arrêt du 15 juin 1962 en l’affaire du Temple de Préah Vihéar (Cambodge c. Thaïlande)
(Cambodge c. Thaïlande), arrêt, C.I.J. Recueil 2013, p. 303, par. 55.
42
52. For these reasons, the Government of Malaysia respectfully submits the
present Application for interpretation of the 2008 Judgment.
IV. Interpretation Requested from the Court
53. In the first paragraph of the operative clause of the 2008 Judgment, the
Court found that “sovereignty over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh belongs to the
Republic of Singapore”.
54. In the third paragraph of the operative clause of its 2008 Judgment, the
Court pronounced that “sovereignty over South Ledge belongs to the State in the
territorial waters of which it is located”. This operative provision is a consequence
of the Court’s conclusion that South Ledge is a low‑tide elevation feature.
55. The Parties’ attempt to resolve all issues arising from the 2008 Judgment
through bilateral co‑operative procedures has proven to be unsuccessful. Given
this, Malaysia considers that it is necessary to request an interpretation from the
Court of the meaning and scope of its decision to award “sovereignty” over
Pedra Branca to Singapore, as well as the meaning and scope of its determination
concerning the status of South Ledge. The necessity of this request is made clear by
the fact that incidents taking place in the waters and airspace surrounding
Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh and South Ledge continue to provoke objections
from the Parties.
56. Malaysia respectfully asks the Court to adjudge and declare that :
(a) “The waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh remain within the
territorial waters of Malaysia” ; and
(b) “South Ledge is located in the territorial waters of Malaysia, and consequently
sovereignty over South Ledge belongs to Malaysia”.
I have the honour to submit to the Court the Application for Interpretation of
the Judgment of 23 May 2008, in the case concerning Sovereignty over Pedra Branca/
Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge (Malaysia/Singapore) as well as
the annexes attached hereto.
In accordance with the respective Rules and practices of the Court, I submit a
duly signed copy of the Application.
I am pleased to certify that the copies of the annexed documents are true copies
of the originals.
Dated the 30th day of June 2017.
(Signed) Dato’ Ahmad Nazri Yusof,
Ambassador of Malaysia
to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
43
52. Pour ces raisons, le Gouvernement malaisien soumet respectueusement à la
Cour la présente demande en interprétation de son arrêt de 2008.
IV. Interprétation demandée à la Cour
53. Au premier point du dispositif de son arrêt de 2008, la Cour a dit : « la
souveraineté
sur Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh appartient à la République de
Singapour ».
54. Au troisième point du dispositif, la Cour a dit : « la souveraineté sur South
Ledge appartient à l’Etat dans les eaux territoriales duquel il est situé ». La décision
ainsi rendue par la Cour découle de sa constatation selon laquelle South Ledge est
un haut‑fond découvrant.
55. Les tentatives des Parties de régler par la coopération bilatérale toutes les
questions soulevées par l’exécution de l’arrêt de 2008 se sont révélées infructueuses.
C’est pourquoi la Malaisie a jugé nécessaire de demander à la Cour de donner une
interprétation précisant le sens et la portée de sa décision d’attribuer à Singapour
la « souveraineté » sur Pedra Branca, ainsi que le sens et la portée de sa conclusion
quant au statut de South Ledge. Les protestations que continuent d’échanger les
Parties au sujet d’incidents récurrents dans les eaux entourant Pedra Branca/Pulau
Batu Puteh et South Ledge et dans l’espace aérien surjacent montrent bien que
cette demande répond à une nécessité.
56. La Malaisie prie respectueusement la Cour de dire et juger que :
a) « les eaux entourant Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh continuent de faire partie
des eaux territoriales de la Malaisie » ; et que
b) « South Ledge est situé dans les eaux territoriales de la Malaisie, ce dont il
découle que la souveraineté sur South Ledge appartient à la Malaisie. »
J’ai l’honneur de soumettre à la Cour la présente demande en interprétation de
l’arrêt du 23 mai 2008 en l’affaire relative à la Souveraineté sur Pedra Branca/Pulau
Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks et South Ledge (Malaisie/Singapour), ainsi que les
annexes qui y sont jointes.
Conformément au Règlement et à la pratique de la Cour, je soumets un exemplaire
dûment signé de la demande.
Je certifie que les documents reproduits dans les annexes sont des copies
conformes des originaux.
Le 30 juin 2017.
L’ambassadeur de la Malaisie
auprès du Royaume des Pays‑Bas,
(Signé) Dato’ Ahmad Nazri Yusof.
44
FIGURE A. SKETCH‑MAP OF PEDRA BRANCA/PULAU BATU PUTEH, MIDDLE ROCK
AND SOUTH LEDGE, REPRODUCED FROM THE 2008 JUDGMENT
45
FIGURE A . CROQUIS DE PEDRA BRANCA/PULAU BATU PUTEH,
MIDDLE ROCKS ET SOUTH LEDGE, REPRIS DE L’ARRÊT DE 2008
46
FIGURE B. SURVEY AREA OF THE JOINT HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEY
47
FIGURE B. ZONE CONCERNÉE PAR LE LEVÉ HYDROGRAPHIQUE CONJOINT
Légende : Survey Area = Zone objet du levé.
48
52
LIST OF ANNEXES*
Annex 1. Terms of Reference of the Malaysia‑Singapore Joint Technical Committee.
Annex 2. Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of
Malaysia
and the Government of the Republic of Singapore with
regard to the Joint Hydrographic Survey in and around Pedra Branca
and Middle Rocks.
Annex 3. Joint Statement by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Prime
Minister
Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak at the Singapore‑Malaysia
Leaders’ Retreat in Singapore on 19 February 2013.
Annex 4. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC 68/2014 dated 27 April 2014.
Annex 5. Joint Statement by Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul
Razak and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Malaysia‑Singapore
Leaders’ Retreat in Putrajaya, Malaysia on 7 April 2014.
Annex 6. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00025/2008, dated 23 August 2008.
Annex 7. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC52/2008, dated 29 October 2008.
Annex 8. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC54/2008, dated 29 October 2008.
Annex 9. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC22/2009, dated 12 March 2009.
Annex 10. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC30/2009, dated 2 April 2009.
Annex 11. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC73/2009, dated 3 July 2009.
Annex 12. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC75/2009, dated 3 July 2009.
* Annexes not reproduced in print version, but available in electronic version on the
Court’s website (http://www.icj-cij.org, under “cases”).
49
52
LISTE DES ANNEXES*
Annexe 1. Mandat de la commission technique mixte Malaisie-Singapour.
Annexe 2. Mémorandum d’accord entre le Gouvernement de la Malaisie et le
Gouvernement de la République de Singapour relatif au levé hydrographique
conjoint portant sur Pedra Branca et Middle Rocks et les
eaux environnantes.
Annexe 3. Déclaration conjointe de M. Lee Hsien Loong, premier ministre de
Singapour, et de Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, premier
ministre de la Malaisie, publiée à l’issue de la retraite ayant réuni les
deux dirigeants à Singapour le 19 février 2013.
Annexe 4. Note verbale EC 68/2014 en date du 27 avril 2014 adressée au
haut‑commissariat de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 5. Communiqué conjoint de Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak,
premier ministre de la Malaisie, et de M. Lee Hsien Loong, premier
ministre de Singapour, publié à l’issue de la retraite ayant réuni les
deux dirigeants à Putrajaya (Malaisie) le 7 avril 2014.
Annexe 6. Note verbale MFA/SEA/00025/2008 en date du 23 août 2008 adressée
au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère des
affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 7. Note verbale EC52/2008 en date du 29 octobre 2008 adressée au
haut‑commissariat de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 8. Note verbale EC54/2008 en date du 29 octobre 2008 adressée au
haut‑commissariat de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 9. Note verbale EC22/2009 en date du 12 mars 2009 adressée au
haut‑commissariat de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 10. Note verbale EC30/2009 en date du 2 avril 2009 adressée au haut‑commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 11. Note verbale EC73/2009 en date du 3 juillet 2009 adressée au
haut‑commissariat de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 12. Note verbale EC75/2009 en date du 3 juillet 2009 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
* Annexes non reproduites en version papier, mais disponibles en version électronique
sur le site Internet de la Cour (http://www.icj-cij.org, onglet « affaires »).
50
Annex 13. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC115/2009, dated 7 October 2009.
Annex 14. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
ECI16/2009, dated 7 October 2009.
Annex 15. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC117/2009, dated 7 October 2009.
Annex 16. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC118/2009, dated 7 October 2009.
Annex 17. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC119/2009, dated 7 October 2009.
Annex 18. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC88/2010, dated 15 June 2010.
Annex 19. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC89/2010, dated 15 June 2010.
Annex 20. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC90/2010, dated 15 June 2010.
Annex 21. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC91/2010, dated 15 June 2010.
Annex 22. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC92/2010, dated 15 June 2010.
Annex 23. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC93/2010, dated 15 June 2010.
Annex 24. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC141/2010, dated 22 September 2010.
Annex 25. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC142/2010, dated 22 September 2010.
Annex 26. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC143/2010, dated 22 September 2010.
Annex 27. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC144/2010, dated 22 September 2010.
Annex 28. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC145/2010, dated 22 September 2010.
51
Annexe 13. Note verbale EC115/2009 en date du 7 octobre 2009 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 14. Note verbale EC116/2009 en date du 7 octobre 2009 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 15. Note verbale EC117/2009 en date du 7 octobre 2009 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 16. Note verbale EC118/2009 en date du 7 octobre 2009 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 17. Note verbale EC119/2009 en date du 7 octobre 2009 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 18. Note verbale EC88/2010 en date du 15 juin 2010 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 19. Note verbale EC89/2010 en date du 15 juin 2010 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 20. Note verbale EC90/2010 en date du 15 juin 2010 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 21. Note verbale EC91/2010 en date du 15 juin 2010 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 22. Note verbale EC92/2010 en date du 15 juin 2010 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 23. Note verbale EC93/2010 en date du 15 juin 2010 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 24. Note verbale EC141/2010 en date du 22 septembre 2010 adressée au
haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 25. Note verbale EC142/2010 en date du 22 septembre 2010 adressée au
haut‑commissariat de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 26. Note verbale EC143/2010 en date du 22 septembre 2010 adressée au
haut‑commissariat de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 27. Note verbale EC144/2010 en date du 22 septembre 2010 adressée au
haut‑commissariat de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 28. Note verbale EC145/2010 en date du 22 septembre 2010 adressée au
haut‑commissariat de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
52
Annex 29. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC169/2010, dated 1 November 2010.
Annex 30. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC177/2010, dated 18 November 2010.
Annex 31. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC193/2010, dated 8 December 2010.
Annex 32. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC99/2011, dated 29 June 2011.
Annex 33. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC14/2012, dated 14 February 2012.
Annex 34. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC15/2012, dated 14 February 2012.
Annex 35. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC64/2012, dated 17 April 2012.
Annex 36. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC65/2012, dated 17 April 2012.
Annex 37. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC103/2012, dated 2 July 2012.
Annex 38. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC28/2014, dated 17 February 2014.
Annex 39. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC29/2014, dated 18 February 2014.
Annex 40. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC30/2014, dated 19 February 2014.
Annex 41. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC35/2014, dated 20 February 2014.
Annex 42. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC36/2014, dated 21 February 2014.
Annex 43. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC37/2014, dated 24 February 2014.
Annex 44. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC38/2014, dated 25 February 2014.
53
Annexe 29. Note verbale EC169/2010 en date du 1er novembre 2010 adressée au
haut‑commissariat de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 30. Note verbale EC177/2010 en date du 18 novembre 2010 adressée au
haut‑commissariat de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le ministère des
affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 31. Note verbale EC193/2010 en date du 8 décembre 2010 adressée au
haut‑commissariat de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 32. Note verbale EC99/2011 en date du 29 juin 2011 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 33. Note verbale EC14/2012 en date du 14 février 2012 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 34. Note verbale EC15/2012 en date du 14 février 2012 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 35. Note verbale EC64/2012 en date du 17 avril 2012 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 36. Note verbale EC65/2012 en date du 17 avril 2012 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 37. Note verbale EC103/2012 en date du 2 juillet 2012 adressée au
haut‑commissariat de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 38. Note verbale EC28/2014 en date du 17 février 2014 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 39. Note verbale EC29/2014 en date du 18 février 2014 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 40. Note verbale EC30/2014 en date du 19 février 2014 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 41. Note verbale EC35/2014 en date du 20 février 2014 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 42. Note verbale EC36/2014 en date du 21 février 2014 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 43. Note verbale EC37/2014 en date du 24 février 2014 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 44. Note verbale EC38/2014 en date du 25 février 2014 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
54
Annex 45. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC39/2014, dated 26 February 2014.
Annex 46. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC40/2014, dated 27 February 2014.
Annex 47. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC41/2014, dated 28 February 2014.
Annex 48. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC44/2014, dated 3 March 2014.
Annex 49. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC45/2014, dated 4 March 2014.
Annex 50. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC46/2014, dated 5 March 2014.
Annex 51. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC47/2014, dated 6 March 2014.
Annex 52. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC48/2014, dated 7 March 2014.
Annex 53. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC51/2014, dated 10 March 2014.
Annex 54. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC52/2014, dated 11 March 2014.
Annex 55. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC53/2014, dated 12 March 2014.
Annex 56. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC54/2014, dated 13 March 2014.
Annex 57. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC58/2014, dated 14 March 2014.
Annex 58. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC75/2014, dated 3 Apri1 2014.
Annex 59. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC150/2014, dated 31 December 2014.
Annex 60. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC151/2014, dated 31 December 2014.
55
Annexe 45. Note verbale EC39/2014 en date du 26 février 2014 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 46. Note verbale EC40/2014 en date du 27 février 2014 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 47. Note verbale EC41/2014 en date du 28 février 2014 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 48. Note verbale EC44/2014 en date du 3 mars 2014 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 49. Note verbale EC45/2014 en date du 4 mars 2014 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 50. Note verbale EC46/2014 en date du 4 mars 2014 adressée au haut‑commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 51. Note verbale EC47/2014 en date du 6 mars 2014 adressée au haut‑commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 52. Note verbale EC48/2014 en date du 7 mars 2014 adressée au haut‑commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 53. Note verbale EC51/2014 en date du 10 mars 2014 adressée au
haut‑commissariat de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 54. Note verbale EC52/2014 en date du 11 mars 2014 adressée au
haut‑commissariat de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 55. Note verbale EC53/2014 en date du 12 mars 2014 adressée au
haut‑commissariat de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 56. Note verbale EC54/2014 en date du 13 mars 2014 adressée au
haut‑commissariat de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 57. Note verbale EC58/2014 en date du 14 mars 2014 adressée au
haut‑commissariat de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 58. Note verbale EC75/2014 en date du 3 avril 2014 adressée au haut‑commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 59. Note verbale EC150/2014 en date du 31 décembre 2014 adressée au
haut‑commissariat de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 60. Note verbale EC151/2014 en date du 31 décembre 2014 adressée au
haut‑commissariat de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
56
Annex 61. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC71/16, dated 28 June 2016.
Annex 62. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC63/17, dated 8 June 2017.
Annex 63. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC46/17, dated 20 April 2017.
Annex 64. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00047/2011, dated 17 November 2011.
Annex 65. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00022/2009 dated 28 May 2009.
Annex 66. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA1/00012/2016 dated 27 April 2016.
Annex 67. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA1/00017/2016, dated 13 May 2016.
Annex 68. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA1/00031/2016, dated 11 August 2016.
Annex 69. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEAl/00048/2016, dated 19 December 2016.
Annex 70. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA1/00011/2017 dated 8 February 2017.
Annex 71. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC72/2009, dated 3 July 2009.
Annex 72. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC161/2010, dated 1 November 2010.
Annex 73. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC164/2010, dated 1 November 2010.
Annex 74. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC167/2010, dated 1 November 2010.
Annex 75. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC168/2010, dated 1 November 2010.
Annex 76. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC60/2011, dated 19 April 2011.
57
Annexe 61. Note verbale EC71/16 en date du 28 juin 2016 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 62. Note verbale EC63/17 en date du 8 juin 2017 adressée au haut‑commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 63. Note verbale EC46/17 en date du 20 avril 2017 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 64. Note verbale MFA/SEA/00047/2011 en date du 17 novembre 2011
adressée au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 65. Note verbale MFA/SEA/00022/2009 en date du 28 mai 2009 adressée
au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère des
affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 66. Note verbale MFA/SEA1/00012/2016 en date du 27 avril 2016 adressée
au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère
des affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 67. Note verbale MFA/SEA1/00017/2016 en date du 13 mai 2016 adressée
au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère
des affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 68. Note verbale MFA/SEA1/00031/2016 en date du 11 août 2016 adressée
au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère
des affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 69. Note verbale MFA/SEA1/00048/2016 en date du 19 décembre 2016
adressée au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 70. Note verbale MFA/SEA1/00011/2017 en date du 8 février 2017 adressée
au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère
des affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 71. Note verbale EC72/2009 en date du 3 juillet 2009 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 72. Note verbale EC161/2010 en date du 1er novembre 2010 adressée au
haut‑commissariat de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 73. Note verbale EC164/2010 en date du 1er novembre 2010 adressée au
haut‑commissariat de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 74. Note verbale EC167/2010 en date du 1er novembre 2010 adressée au
haut‑commissariat de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 75. Note verbale EC168/2010 en date du 1er novembre 2010 adressée au
haut‑commissariat de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 76. Note verbale EC60/2011 en date du 19 avril 2011 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
58
Annex 77. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC61/2011, dated 19 April 2011.
Annex 78. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC107/2011, dated 8 July 2011.
Annex 79. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC122/2011, dated 22 August 2011.
Annex 80. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC124/2011, dated 22 August 2011.
Annex 81. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC145/2011, dated 30 September 2011.
Annex 82. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC146/2011, dated 30 September 2011.
Annex 83. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC18/2012, dated 14 February 2012.
Annex 84. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC30/2012, dated 17 February 2012.
Annex 85. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC31/2012, dated 17 February 2012.
Annex 86. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC69/2012, dated 24 April 2012.
Annex 87. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC70/2012, dated 9 May 2012.
Annex 88. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC81/2012, dated 9 May 2012.
Annex 89. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC88/2012, dated 1 June 2012.
Annex 90. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC90/2012, dated 6 June 2012.
Annex 91. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC7/2014, dated 27 January 2014.
Annex 92. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC9/2014, dated 28 January 2014.
59
Annexe 77. Note verbale EC61/2011 en date du 19 avril 2011 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 78. Note verbale EC107/2011 en date du 8 juillet 2011 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 79. Note verbale EC122/2011 en date du 22 août 2011 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 80. Note verbale EC124/2011 en date du 22 août 2011 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 81. Note verbale EC145/2011 en date du 30 septembre 2011 adressée au
haut‑commissariat de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 82. Note verbale EC146/2011 en date du 30 septembre 2011 adressée au
haut‑commissariat de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 83. Note verbale EC18/2012 en date du 14 février 2012 adressée au
haut‑commissariat de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 84. Note verbale EC30/2012 en date du 17 février 2012 adressée au
haut‑commissariat de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 85. Note verbale EC31/2012 en date du 17 février 2012 adressée au
haut‑commissariat de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 86. Note verbale EC69/2012 en date du 24 avril 2012 adressée au
haut‑commissariat de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 87. Note verbale EC70/2012 en date du 9 mai 2012 adressée au haut‑commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 88. Note verbale EC81/2012 en date du 9 mai 2012 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 89. Note verbale EC88/2012 en date du 1er juin 2012 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 90. Note verbale EC90/2012 en date du 6 juin 2012 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 91. Note verbale EC7/2014 en date du 27 janvier 2014 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 92. Note verbale EC9/2014 en date du 28 janvier 2014 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
60
Annex 93. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC11/2014, dated 29 January 2014.
Annex 94. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC14/2014, dated 30 January 2014.
Annex 95. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC17/2014, dated 4 February 2014.
Annex 96. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC18/2014, dated 5 February 2014.
Annex 97. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC22/2014, dated 7 February 2014.
Annex 98. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC144/16, dated 24 November 2016.
Annex 99. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00003/2010(I), dated 11 February 2011.
Annex 100. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00005/2010, dated 11 February 2011.
Annex 101. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00005/2010(4A), dated 30 March 2010.
Annex 102. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00008/2010, dated 31 May 2010.
Annex 103. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00012/2010, dated 15 June 2010.
Annex 104. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00035/2010, dated 19 August 2010.
Annex 105. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00010/2011, dated 29 April 2011.
Annex 106. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00013/2011, dated 15 July 2011.
Annex 107. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00036/2011, dated 6 September 2011.
Annex 108. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA1/00001/2012, dated 2 May 2012.
61
Annexe 93. Note verbale EC11/2014 en date du 29 janvier 2014 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 94. Note verbale EC14/2014 en date du 30 janvier 2014 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 95. Note verbale EC17/2014 en date du 4 février 2014 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 96. Note verbale EC18/2014 en date du 5 février 2014 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 97. Note verbale EC22/2014 en date du 7 février 2014 adressée au haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 98. Note verbale EC144/16 en date du 24 novembre 2016 adressée au
haut-commissariat
de la République de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur
par le ministère des affaires étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 99. Note verbale MFA/SEA/00003/2010 (I) en date du 11 février 2011
adressée au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 100. Note verbale MFA/SEA/00005/2010 en date du 11 février 2011 adressée
au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère
des affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 101. Note verbale MFA/SEA/00005/2010 (4A) en date du 30 mars 2010
adressée au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 102. Note verbale MFA/SEA/00008/2010 en date du 31 mai 2010 adressée
au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère des
affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 103. Note verbale MFA/SEA/00012/2010 en date du 15 juin 2010 adressée
au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère des
affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 104. Note verbale MFA/SEA/00035/2010 en date du 19 août 2010 adressée
au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère des
affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 105. Note verbale MFA/SEA/00010/2011 en date du 29 avril 2011 adressée
au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère des
affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 106. Note verbale MFA/SEA/00013/2011 en date du 15 juillet 2011 adressée
au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère
des affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 107. Note verbale MFA/SEA/00036/2011 en date du 6 septembre 2011
adressée au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 108. Note verbale MFA/SEA1/00001/2012 en date du 2 mai 2012 adressée
au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère des
affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
62
Annex 109. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA1/00006/2012, dated 28 May 2012.
Annex 110. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA1/00019/2012, dated 24 August 2012.
Annex 111. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEAl/00022/2012, dated 11 September 2012.
Annex 112. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA1/00027/2012, dated 1 November 2012.
Annex 113. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA1/00002/2013, dated 11 January 2013.
Annex 114. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA1/00026/2013, dated 3 June 2013.
Annex 115. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA1/00046/2013, dated 18 June 2013.
Annex 116. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEAl/00074/2013, dated 4 November 2013.
Annex 117. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00002/2014, dated 7 January 2014.
Annex 118. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA1/00042/2014, dated 22 July 2014.
Annex 119. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00041/2016, dated 30 September 2016.
Annex 120. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00003/2010, dated 30 March 2010.
Annex 121. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia to the
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur,
EC53/2008, dated 29 October 2008.
Annex 122. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA/00005/2012, dated 14 February 2012.
Annex 123. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA1/00047/2013, dated 18 June 2013.
Annex 124. Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Singapore to the High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, MFA/
SEA1/00002/2012, dated 2 May 2012.
63
Annexe 109. Note verbale MFA/SEA1/00006/2012 en date du 28 mai 2012 adressée
au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère
des affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 110. Note verbale MFA/SEA1/00019/2012 en date du 24 août 2012 adressée
au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère
des affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 111. Note verbale MFA/SEA1/00022/2012 en date du 11 septembre 2012
adressée au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 112. Note verbale MFA/SEA1/00027/2012 en date du 1er novembre 2012
adressée au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 113. Note verbale MFA/SEA1/00002/2013 en date du 11 janvier 2013
adressée au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 114. Note verbale MFA/SEA1/00026/2013 en date du 3 juin 2013 adressée
au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère des
affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 115. Note verbale MFA/SEA1/00046/2013 en date du 18 juin 2013 adressée
au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère
des affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 116. Note verbale MFA/SEA1/00074/2013 en date du 4 novembre 2013
adressée au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 117. Note verbale MFA/SEA/00002/2014 en date du 7 janvier 2014 adressée
au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère
des affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 118. Note verbale MFA/SEA1/00042/2014 en date du 22 juillet 2014 adressée
au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère
des affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 119. Note verbale MFA/SEA/00041/2016 en date du 30 septembre 2016
adressée au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le
ministère des affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 120. Note verbale MFA/SEA/00003/2010 en date du 30 mars 2010 adressée
au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère
des affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 121. Il est fait référence à cette protestation dans la note verbale EC53/2008
en date du 29 octobre 2008 adressée au haut‑commissariat de la République
de Singapour à Kuala Lumpur par le ministère des affaires
étrangères de la Malaisie.
Annexe 122. Note verbale MFA/SEA/00005/2012 en date du 14 février 2012 adressée
au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère
des affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 123. Note verbale MFA/SEA1/00047/2013 en date du 18 juin 2013 adressée
au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère
des affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
Annexe 124. Note verbale MFA/SEA1/00002/2012 en date du 2 mai 2012 adressée
au haut‑commissariat de la Malaisie à Singapour par le ministère des
affaires étrangères de la République de Singapour.
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