Colombia’s government is considering to declare a social and economic emergency for the Caribbean island of San Andres after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) decided to grant large areas of its surrounding sea to Nicaragua.
The country’s Interior Minister Fernando Carrillo revealed that the government was preparing measures to combat the consequences of the ICJ’s decision to take away vast areas of Colombia’s maritime territory in the area.
Carrillo labelled the decision a “tsunami” for the inhabitants of San Andres as it is expected to severely affect the large fishing industry in the area.
He revealed that a dialogue will be opened between local residents, stakeholders, fishermen in the area, business associates and local authorities as to what emergency measures have to be taken to soften the blow to the island’s industries.
Carrillo added that the measures will be formalized in Colombia’s capital Bogota next week and would also allow the government to make immediate decisions regarding the archipelago such as issuing aid to fishermen.
Earlier in the day the government’s Foreign Minister Maria Angela Holguin revealed that Colombia would open talks with Nicaragua to discuss various issues.
She said, “We hope to have good relationship with the Government of Nicaragua…there are issues that we must work on, fishery issues, security, the fight against drug trafficking, it is very likely we will have a meeting.”
This was proceeded by president Juan Manuel Santos’ criticism of the ICJ’s decision, which he descried as “a serious error in judgement” and one which would “seriously and adversely” affect Colombia.