Colombia sent a letter of protest to Nicaragua after the Central American state included Colombian territory on a map that was used to offer international companies the chance to drill for oil, local media reported Wednesday.
The dispute first began in 2001 after Nicaragua took Colombia to the court of international justice over a small grouping of islands in the Caribbean sea. As Colombians expected, the islands remained in their control. What was more surprising however was the fact that the ICJ bestowed upon Nicaragua 7500 km squared of Caribbean waters – an act that was poorely recieved in Bogota.
MORE: Colombia in race against time to block Nicaraguan request for more territory
After this recent develpment the Colombian government has referred the case to UNESCO and has called for a commission of international affairs. Foreign Minister Maria Angela Holguin has told local news that “On Monday I sent a letter protesting the proposed scans and map.”
President Juan Manuel Santos has consistently held the opinion that the ruling was a “mistake” and the government has reportedly hired a British firm to draft an appeal against the decision.
Sources
- An islet for a sea (The Economist)
- Bogotá protesta ante Managua por ofrecer la explotación de yacimientos en territorio colombiano (Notiamerica)
