The Romanian delegation, led by Agent Bogdan Aurescu, said the solution proposed by Romania is in accordance with ICJ jurisprudence and international laws. Ukraine is accused of distorting the method used by both ICJ and international law. Romania insisted that controversial Snake Island, located on the Black Sea close to both countries’ coasts, cannot produce any judicial effect, because it is not integrated in Ukraine’s coastline geography. The Romanian side said the Snake Island is actually a cliff, despite efforts from the Ukrainian side to prove otherwise. Due to the island’s geographic location, its status affects the maritime boundary between Romania and Ukraine. If Snake Island is not an island, but a cliff, as claimed by Romania, then the boundary should be drawn without taking into consideration its location. If it is an island, the continental shelf around it should be considered as Ukrainian waters. The Romanian side said Ukraine is developing Snake Island to prove its island status.
The Ukrainian agent in ICJ, Volodomir Vassilenko, said the disputed Black Sea part is dominated by Ukrainian coasts and activities on Snake Island did not change its natural habitat. After the two sides conclude their pleas, ICJ has maximum six months to reach a decision, so by April 2009, at the latest, both countries will find out how the area is to be divided.
On the other hand, several voices accused Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko of showing indifference regarding “Romania’s territorial claims”.
