Hanish Islands handed over to Yemen
Yemen-Eritrea, Politics, 11/2/1998

Yemen on Sunday was handed over Hanish Islands from Eritrea. The process was made in compliance with the decision taken by an international court for arbitration issued last month that provided for ending Eritrea's sovereignty over several islands in the Red Sea.

A Yemeni official source was quoted as saying on Sunday that Yemeni Defense Minister Muhammad Deif Allah Muhammad hoisted his country's flag in synchronization with moves of Yemeni marine and land forces to the island.

Eritrea's troops evacuated the islands by helicopter and a warship.

Meanwhile, the Yemeni defense minister told journalists that Eritrea's President Assyas Afworki is expected to visit Yemen within the few coming days. The two countries, however, agreed to resume bilateral relations to normalcy after their border conflict was resolved through binding arbitration.

Meanwhile, after meeting with Arab League Secretary-General Esmat Abdul Meguid yesterday, Yemen Foreign Minister Abdul Qader Bajmal announced that the Hanish Islands will not be used for military purposes, but will be a loving bridge between the neighboring Red Sea countries, and it will be developed by Sanaa's government for tourist and economic purposes according to the district of each island.

He also added that the judgment of the committee is a good example for any dispute that takes place between Arab countries and that Yemen hopes to solve its border problem with Saudi Arabia in the same way.

Previous Stories:
  Yemeni and Eritrean presidents to meet on Wednesday in Aden   (10/31/1998)
  Eritrea starts withdrawing from the Yemeni Hanish Islands   (10/17/1998)
  Yemeni foreign minister in Asmara to start a new and positive relation   (10/14/1998)

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