Bolivia, Chile Await World Court Ruling On Sea Spat

The International Court of Justice will rule on Monday in a sea dispute between Bolivia and Chile that has dogged relations between the South American neighbours since the 19th century.

The Hague, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Oct, 2018 ) :The International Court of Justice will rule on Monday in a sea dispute between Bolivia and Chile that has dogged relations between the South American neighbours since the 19th century.

Judges at the UN's top court will decide whether Santiago must negotiate access to the Pacific Ocean with landlocked La Paz, which Bolivia lost in an 1884 war with Chile.

Bolivia in 2013 dragged Santiago to the Hague-based ICJ -- set up after World War II to rule in disputes between countries -- in a bid to restore badly-needed access to the sea.

The judgement at 1300 GMT will be closely followed by both countries.

The court's findings are binding and cannot be appealed.

Bolivia's leftist President Evo Morales -- who is trying to win political capital at home through the issue as he seeks a fourth term in office -- is due to attend in person.

Chile and Bolivia have had no diplomatic relations since 1978 when Bolivia's last attempt to negotiate a passage to the Pacific broke down in acrimony.

Geoff Gordon, an analyst at the Hague-based Asser Institute, said there were "high stakes for Bolivia and Chile, which has much to lose in respect to area of coastline".

"Each side seems likely to respond with disappointment and anger to an adverse ruling," Gordon added.