International arbitration for Henish island

Yemeni Foreign Minister Dr. Abdel Karim Al Eriany will head his country's delegation to international arbitration sessions regarding the Yemeni-Eritrean conflict over the greater island of Henesh which overlooks the Red Sea. The sessions are scheduled to be held in the headquarters of the British Foreign Ministry at the end of this month.

Yemeni sources said the international arbitration committee, which consists of five judges selected by the two countries, had taken a vote to decide who would explain his suit first for three days. The result was that the Eritrean side will start first followed by the Yemeni side.

The sources felt that the fact that the Eritreans will start will advantage Yemen, who might use the Eritrean explanation in its own defense. The sources expected the arbitration committee to give its verdict before the end of next May.

The Yemeni Foreign Minister expressed his optimism in regards to the arbitration results and expected that it will be in favor of Yemen due to Yemeni historical and legal rights to that island.