Yemen looking for diplomatic solution to fishing disputes with Eritrea

SANA’A, June 26, 2004 (Yemen Observer) — The continuing seizure of Yemeni fishing boats by Eritrean authorities is an issue to be resolved diplomatically, said Minister of Fisheries Ali Majoor in a statement published Monday.

The minister said that his ministry has received a number of complaints from Yemeni fishermen that Eritrean authorities have confiscated their boats and fishing equipment in waters that according to a 1999 agreement are to be shared by both Yemeni and Eritrean fishermen.

“The ministry has done what it can and sent all complaints to the foreign ministry for discussion with the Eritrean authorities,” added Majoor.

Al-Mithaq citied the director of the fisheries office in Al-Hodeidah as saying that the 37 traditional fishing boats had been seized by the Eritreans so far this year.

The Ministry of Fisheries has paid compensation to those fishermen, he said.

Yemen received praise for its role in negotiating a peaceful settlement to a conflict with Eritrea over its maritime border in 1999. Those efforts contributed to enhancing security and safe navigation in the Red Sea. The decision allowed the two countries to fish in the other’s territorial waters.

In 2001, the maritime border demarcation was finalized according to the decision of an international tribune board in accordance with the UN laws on international navigation established in 1982.