European union backs peaceful resolution to sea row
The European Union is supporting efforts to resolve peacefully the territorial disputes over the West Philippine Sea.
During the bilateral meeting between President Benigno Aquino and European Council President Herman Van Rompuy at the European Council Headquarters on Tuesday, Rompuy urged countries with conflicting claims in the West Philippine Sea to resolve maritime disputes based on the rule of law.
“We exchanged views on the regional situation. It is essential that our parties seek peaceful and cooperative solutions to maritime issues in accordance with international law in particular with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,” Rompuy said in a statement following the meeting.
He noted that the European Union is party to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, which calls on all parties to settle differences by peaceful means and not resort to threat and coercion.
For his part, President Aquino welcomed Rompuy’s statement believing that the EU could contribute a lot in ensuring peaceful and rules-based settlement of the conflicting claims.
“As President, I believe that the EU may contribute so much more in championing this meaningful cause—in particular, in helping convince other parties to refrain from activities that increase tensions, clarify their claims based on the UNCLOS, and thus submit the disputes to reasonable, rules-based, peaceful modes of resolution, such as arbitration,” the Chief Executive said.
Aside from the EU, Spain is also supporting calls for a peaceful resolution to the maritime disputes.
President Aquino, in his media interview onboard chartered flight PR001 going to Belgium on Monday, said Spain Prime Minister Marianon Rajoy has agreed to be the “voice” of the Philippines in addressing issues in the West Philippine Sea and matters involving the welfare of Filipino seafarers in the European Union. (PND)
