Defense of the Republic of the Philippines
General Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: adroth on October 15, 2016, 05:33:09 AM
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Philippines-China solution on Scarborough Shoal possible, envoy says
Zambales, in the Philippines April 22, 2015. REUTERS/Erik De Castro
By Neil Jerome Morales | MANILA
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-philippines-china-southchinasea-idUSKBN12E1DT
A budding Philippines-China friendship could boost chances of removing one of their biggest bones of contention in the South China Sea, Beijing's ambassador said on Friday, as the two sides pursue broad business ties while still at odds over sovereignty.
Ahead of a high-profile visit to Beijing next week by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and at least 250 businessmen, China's ambassador to Manila, Zhao Jianhua, said there was common ground on the South China Sea that both sides could work from, including on the disputed Scarborough Shoal.
Duterte's rapprochement with China marks an astonishing reversal in Philippine foreign policy since July, when the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines in the South China Sea dispute.
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While generous with his praise of China, Duterte has still insisted Filipino fishermen should have unhindered access to the shoal.
Zhao, who speaks often and enjoys a public profile unusually high for a Chinese diplomat, said he was confident a solution could be found and eventually the two countries could create "a sea of peace and cooperation".
"The Chinese side is very much interested in fishery cooperation. That is a kind of response to your president's concern about fishermen," he said when asked by a reporter about granting Duterte his wish.
"We would like to explore the possibility of how we can handle it properly.
"I think both sides are going to be able to work on a possible solution to this problem."
It is unclear, however, where the common ground might be when China refuses to discuss the PCA ruling and Duterte continues to promise Filipinos he will not deviate from the content of the July 12 arbitral award.
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PINOYS CAN RETURN TO SHOAL IN FEW MORE DAYS
Duterte says he told the Chinese: Scarborough is ours
Published October 23, 2016 3:36pm
Updated October 23, 2016 6:44pm
By JOSEPH TRISTAN ROXAS, GMA News
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/586107/news/nation/duterte-says-he-told-the-chinese-scarborough-is-ours
President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday said that he insisted during his meeting with Chinese officials, including President Xi Jinping, that the Scarborough Shoal belongs to the Philippines.
"Ang China ang sabi nila amin 'yan. Sabi ko amin man din 'yan," Duterte said in a speech during his visit to calamity-stricken Tuguegarao City in Cagayan.
In his speech in Isabela, Duterte said both he and Xi held their ground in claiming Scarborough Shoal, with the Chinese leader citing China's supposed historical claim while the Philippine leader presented the award of the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
“Alam ko may problema tayong dalawang bansa dahil diyan sa [South] China Sea na inangkin ninyo na inyong lahat. Kami naman ay nanalo at sinabi na sa Pilipinas yan. But anyway, ang problema, ang sabi niya amin talaa ito historically at hindi kami bibigay dito. Sabi ko, lalo na kami, kasi kami ang nanalo sa korte,” Duterte said.
But Duterte avoided a confrontation with Xi, saying both leaders will discuss the territorial dispute in the future.
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Duterte: Filipinos may soon be back at Panatag | Inquirer.net (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/147597/duterte-filipinos-may-soon-be-back-at-panatag) - October 24, 2016
In back-to-back speeches in typhoon-hit Cagayan and Isabela provinces, Mr. Duterte said he and Chinese President Xi Jinping had cordial discussions about the maritime dispute and agreed to further talks, although they both stood their ground on each other’s sovereign rights to the waters.
“We did not talk about arms, we did not talk about war. We talked about how to help each other,” Mr. Duterte said in his speech in Cagayan.
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Blockade over?
It was not immediately clear if that meant China had given an indication it would end its four-year blockade of the rich fishing ground known to Filipinos as Panatag Shoal.
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Two Chinese sources with ties to the leadership in Beijing told Reuters last week China would consider giving Philippine fishermen conditional access to disputed waters in the South China Sea after a meeting between Xi and Mr. Duterte.
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Filipinos should be allowed to access Panatag Shoal's lagoon —former envoy | GMA news (http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/586160/news/nation/filipinos-should-be-allowed-to-access-panatag-shoal-s-lagoon-former-envoy) - October 24, 2016
Former Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations Lauro Baja on Monday said Malacañang should clarify which part of Panatag Shoal will the Filipinos be allowed to access.
Baja said in an interview on Unang Balita that Filipino fishermen should be allowed to access the shoal's lagoon, which is rich in marine products.
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The following photo has generated a fair amount of commentary, and much of which question whether or not the truce that the PH established with China actually translated to action on-the-ground so to speak.
(http://defenseph.net/bootcamp/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/14947426_10211436540737015_1977048824382699360_n.jpg)
Clarity, interestingly, came from one-of-FVR's men who posted on Manny Mogato's FB page
https://www.facebook.com/mmogato/posts/10211436554977371?comment_id=10211436987628187&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R8%22%7D
(http://defenseph.net/bootcamp/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/alunan.jpg)
For contrast, it is important to note that prior to the truce, merely approaching Scarborough would result in this
https://youtu.be/OVqH_snfm54
https://youtu.be/VTacwydzJdw
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Heavy Chinese presence remains . . . but has anyone seen any reports of Filipino fishermen being barred entry?
http://defenseph.net/2017/02/18/scarborough-this-week-chinese-cutters-and-fishing-vessels/
(http://defenseph.net/bootcamp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/3304_18feb17.png)
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haven't heard any such report at least in the province of Zambales. Not sure though for other provinces since lots of our fishermen from different places fishes in Scarborough.
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From-the-field reports are needed to monitor this "trip wire"
Palace: Long-term fishing in Panatag shoal still 'uncertain'
Wednesday, November 02, 2016
By RUTH ABBEY GITA MALACAÑANG
On Wednesday was uncertain whether China will permanently allow the Filipinos to fish in the Panatag Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella told reporters that the present arrangement between the Philippines is that Filipino fishermen can now "go and fish" in the shoal.
"At this stage, we're not talking guarantees. We're just going by the fact that they, the fishermen, can now just go," Abella said. "Presently, it's going by the friendly agreement that has been raised. So we'll go. We'll proceed along that lines," he added. Following the state visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to China from October 18 to 22, Filipino fishermen has since been allowed to go to Panatag Shoal without being barred.
Read more: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2016/11/03/palace-long-term-fishing-panatag-shoal-still-uncertain-507092
Follow us: @sunstaronline on Twitter | SunStar Philippines on Facebook
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Chinese Coast Guard take Pinoy fishermen’s catch in Scarborough Shoal
Published June 7, 2018 10:32pm
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/656099/chinese-coast-guard-take-pinoy-fishermen-rsquo-s-catch-in-scarborough-shoal/story/?utm_source=GMANews&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=news
Chinese Coast Guardsmen have been taking the catch of Filipinos fishing in the waters of Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc), according to GMA News' Jun Veneracion in his report for Thursday's 24 Oras.
Cameras stowed on one of the fishing boats filmed the Chinese asking for fish and then sailing away when fishermen explained they have not caught any.
The fishermen told GMA News that the Chinese Coast Guard had made a habit of taking their catch. At times, Ernie Egana said, they had no choice but to let them pick out the best ones.
Video taken last May 20 showed two men boarding their boat with a basket and opening the latch where the fish was stored. "Wala silang paalam. Halungkatin nila 'yun, basta maghalungkat sila, sir. Kukunin nila 'yung gusto nila. Ilagay nila sa plastic, magaganda pa ang kunin nila," Egana said.
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Videos of the deed
(http://defenseph.net/bootcamp/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1-5.jpg)
(http://defenseph.net/bootcamp/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/2-4.jpg)
(http://defenseph.net/bootcamp/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/3-3.jpg)
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Wouldn't unlawful confiscation of this catch constitute an act of piracy?
(http://defenseph.net/bootcamp/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/3-3.jpg)
http://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/part7.htm
Article100
Duty to cooperate in the repression of piracy
All States shall cooperate to the fullest possible extent in the repression of piracy on the high seas or in any other place outside the jurisdiction of any State.
Article101
Definition of piracy
Piracy consists of any of the following acts:
(a) any illegal acts of violence or detention, or any act of depredation, committed for private ends by the crew or the passengers of a private ship or a private aircraft, and directed:
(i) on the high seas, against another ship or aircraft, or against persons or property on board such ship or aircraft;
(ii) against a ship, aircraft, persons or property in a place outside the jurisdiction of any State;
(b) any act of voluntary participation in the operation of a ship or of an aircraft with knowledge of facts making it a pirate ship or aircraft;
(c) any act of inciting or of intentionally facilitating an act described in subparagraph (a) or (b).
Article102
Piracy by a warship, government ship or government aircraft
whose crew has mutinied
The acts of piracy, as defined in article 101, committed by a warship, government ship or government aircraft whose crew has mutinied and taken control of the ship or aircraft are assimilated to acts committed by a private ship or aircraft.
Article103
Definition of a pirate ship or aircraft
A ship or aircraft is considered a pirate ship or aircraft if it is intended by the persons in dominant control to be used for the purpose of committing one of the acts referred to in article 101. The same applies if the ship or aircraft has been used to commit any such act, so long as it remains under the control of the persons guilty of that act.
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Cayetano: DFA acting on shoal harassment
By: Marlon Ramos - Reporter / @MRamosINQ Philippine Daily Inquirer / 07:27 AM June 11, 2018
The Duterte administration is “taking all diplomatic action” in dealing with the reported harassment of Filipino fishermen by Chinese Coast Guard personnel at Panatag Shoal, according to Foreign Secretary
Cayetano on Sunday thanked GMA Network for its report, with a video showing Filipino fishermen, who had spent days fishing at Panatag, watching helplessly as two Chinese coast guards make off with their prime catch.
“[It’s] important for us that our fishermen are able to report complaints like this so that we can act on it right away,” he told reporters in an interview at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, where he welcomed distressed Filipino workers returning from the United Arab Emirates.
“We are assuring you that we are taking all diplomatic action. Look at the results, not just the steps taken,” he said.
“Why do you do protest? Why do you do diplomatic action? Because you want results. This administration is focusing on the results,” he added.
What action?
Cayetano, however, did not specify the diplomatic action the government was taking following the report of the harassment, which the fishermen said had been happening for some time.
Sen. Gregorio Honasan II on Sunday urged the government to verify the report and protest the harassment.
He said President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jinhua could take up the matter with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
But Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the acts of Chinese coast guards were not those of the Chinese president.
A diplomatic protest may not be called for, Sotto said.
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Zhao’s assurance
Cayetano said he and Foreign Undersecretary Ernesto Abella had already spoken separately with Zhao regarding the matter, which acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio said should prompt the Philippines to lodge another case against China in the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.
But Cayetano seemed to be content with the assurance given by Zhao.
“We were assured by the Chinese ambassador that they will apply the law very harshly against the violators,” he said, without explaining which law had been violated.
“We already had an agreement with them that the fishermen should be able to freely fish there. The only exception [is] the protected areas,” he added.
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Read more: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/167692/cayetano-dfa-acting-shoal-harassment#ixzz5I4soZlnW
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook
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China allows Filipinos to fish in Panatag 'out of goodwill'
(UPDATED) The Chinese embassy says China Coast Guard personnel 'have always acted in accordance with the law,' even as a television report shows them taking the catch of Filipino fishermen in Panatag Shoal
Paterno Esmaquel II
@paterno_ii
Published 11:18 AM, June 12, 2018
Updated 3:50 PM, June 12, 2018
https://www.rappler.com/nation/204725-china-allows-filipino-fishermen-panatag-shoal-goodwill?utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook#Echobox=1528773609
MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – China said on Tuesday, June 12, that it has allowed Filipino fishermen to fish in Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) "out of goodwill."
This negates the claim of Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano on Sunday, June 10, that the Philippines and China have forged a provisional fisheries agreement as equal parties in Panatag Shoal.
"China has made appropriate arrangement for the Philippine fishermen to fish in relevant waters out of goodwill. This policy remains unchanged," the Chinese embassy in Manila said in a press release Tuesday morning.
China issued this statement in reaction to a GMA News report showing the China Coast Guard taking the catch of Filipino fishermen in Panatag Shoal.
The Chinese embassy continued: "At this point, the China-Philippines friendly relations have taken on a positive trend, and China has a clear and firm determination to commit itself to consolidating and strengthening China-Philippines relations."
The embassy said Chinese coast guard personnel "have been safeguarding peace, order and tranquility in relevant waters and offered humanitarian aid to Philippine fishermen for many times."
Referring to the China Coast Guard, the embassy said, "They have always acted in accordance with the law."
"As to whether the situation mentioned by the media exists or not, the Chinese side is now conducting an investigation seriously. If what the Philippine side claimed is true, I believe relevant Chinese departments will handle that in a serious manner," the embassy added.
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China to punish Coast Guard members in spat with PH fishermen – envoy
By Chad de Guzman, CNN Philippines
Updated 15:49 PM PHT Tue, June 12, 2018
http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2018/06/12/china-coast-guard-filipino-fishermen.html
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 12) — Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua assured Tuesday that members of his country's coast guard who take some of the catch of Filipino fishermen around the disputed Scarborough Shoal would be punished.
"We will check if there's any misconduct conducted by the Chinese Coast Guard. Those individuals will be punished, and the rules will be there," he told reporters in Kawit, Cavite.
President Rodrigo Duterte talked to Zhao about the matter minutes before the flag-raising ceremony to celebrate the country's 120th Independence Day.
In an interview with reporters after the exchange, the Chinese envoy said Beijing's coast guard are disciplined and behave in accordance with their laws.
"We do not allow Chinese coast guards to do anything that is harmful to Filipino fishermen," Zhao said.
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From: https://www.facebook.com/inquirerdotnet/photos/a.10150441841044453.385336.142802334452/10156986178274453/?type=3&theater&ifg=1
JUST IN: Malacañang says it will not file a case against China on the destroyed reefs in Scarborough Shoal, saying the issue can be discussed through the PH-China bilateral consultation mechanism. | via @NCorralesINQ on Twitter
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From: https://www.facebook.com/inquirerdotnet/photos/a.10150441841044453.385336.142802334452/10156986178274453/?type=3&theater&ifg=1
JUST IN: Malacañang says it will not file a case against China on the destroyed reefs in Scarborough Shoal, saying the issue can be discussed through the PH-China bilateral consultation mechanism. | via @NCorralesINQ on Twitter
This mechanism is now being put to the test
Philippines-China Bilateral Consultation Mechanism Focuses on Cooperation and Collaboration while Having Frank and Candid Discussions on Issues where the Philippines and China Disagree
https://dfa.gov.ph/dfa-news/dfa-releasesupdate/15567-philippines-china-bilateral-consultation-mechanism-focuses-on-cooperation-and-collaboration-while-having-frank-and-candid-discussions-on-issues-whe
14 February 2018 MANILA – Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano today praised the conclusion of the 2nd meeting of the bilateral consultation mechanism on the South China Sea between Philippine and Chinese delegations as an important step towards resolving ongoing territorial disputes in a manner consistent with the spirit of friendship.
“This meeting has become an important step towards resolving ongoing disputes on territory, sovereignty, and sovereignty rights in the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea, however, this bilateral consultation mechanism is also here to strengthen the momentum of cooperation in matters of common interest such as marine environmental protection, coordination between Coast Guards, and the protection of our fishermen, as well the possibility of joint exploration,” Secretary Cayetano said in a statement.
Delegations from the Philippines and China met on 13 February 2018 for the 2nd Meeting of the Philippines-China Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea (BCM). Both sides took the opportunity to highlight the exponential improvement in bilateral relations and the many opportunities for growth in various areas of cooperation.
The delegations, led by DFA Undersecretary Enrique A. Manalo and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou, also discussed ways to manage and prevent incidents at sea, promote dialogue and cooperation on maritime issues, and enhance mutual trust and confidence.
The Philippine side brought up our territorial claims and sovereignty rights issues, and discussed how to manage and prevent incidents on the ground. Both sides expressed their countries’ respective positions on the ongoing territorial disputes. While there are points of disagreement, both delegations are in agreement that the best way forward is to cooperate and properly manage issues of mutual concern and preserve security and stability in the region.
Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou, head of the Chinese delegation, also called on Secretary Cayetano today before flying back to Beijing
Secretary Cayetano said that the BCM serves as a venue for the Philippines and China to manage their differences amicably, and to show the world how disputes can be handled in a peaceful manner, and how cooperation and collaboration can benefit the two countries’ peoples despite a complicated and difficult dispute.
"The Duterte Administration is unwavering in its commitment to protect our country’s territorial claims and maritime entitlements. Let me also say that we are also of the position that ongoing territorial disputes should be resolved in a manner consistent with the spirit of good neighborly relations and the 1982 UNCLOS," said the Secretary.
Pursuant to the strategy of the Duterte administration of “friends to all and enemies to none”, the Secretary said the Philippines engages all countries whether claimant or non-claimant, whether we have a dispute with them or not, and this has led to much mutual trust and confidence and translated into gains in the disputed areas as well as in other areas of cooperation and collaboration.
To mention some positive developments in the South China Sea:
There is access of our fishermen within the areas in dispute.
There are measures in place for all parties to protect the environment and marine ecosystem in the South China Sea.
There is a commitment by China and all parties not to build on uninhabited features in accordance with the Declaration of Conduct on the South China Sea.
"Let me note that our fishermen are back exercising their livelihood in Scarborough Shoal, and overall, the situation in the greater South China Sea has become more stable than in past years," according to Secretary Cayetano.
These warm and friendly relations likewise resulted in tremendous economic benefits for the country, with China lifting the ban on the import of bananas from the Philippines, together with, to date, over $24 Billion worth of assistance, investment, pledges, commercial loans from China, with focus on infrastructure development under the “Build Build Build” program and further increasing economic development in the Philippines.
Secretary Cayetano further stressed that there are ongoing talks and continuous diplomatic actions being undertaken to protect the interests of the Philippines in the South China Sea. "Just because we are not in an open shouting match with China, or arguing in public, doesn’t mean that the issues aren’t being dealt with decisively. On the contrary, we are not only exerting efforts but also getting things done," said the Philippines' top diplomat. END
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Ultimately, there is a cost in terms of people's livelihoods.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038292
Zambales gov vows livelihood aid to affected fisherfolks
By Mahatma Datu June 14, 2018, 5:54 pm
IBA, Zambales -- Governor Amor Deloso on Thursday issued assurances provide alternative sources of livelihood to fishermen from the province, who are affected by the Scarborough Shoal issue.
The governor made the assurance as he attended a dialogue and consultative forum organized by the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) of the Philippine Army, along with the provincial government of Zambales and other government agencies, at the People's Park here.
Deloso said the exchange of ideas in the forum is good as all concerned can work together for a common good.
“Fishing is an important livelihood in Zambales and I have refused big industries along the coastline of the province to avoid destroying the livelihood of the fisherfolks,” he said.
Deloso said the provincial government will continue supporting the livelihood needs of the affected fishermen through the Provincial Fisheries Office, which assists them in generating alternative sources of income through projects.
Fishermen from this province appeared divided on reports of Chinese Coast Guards taking their catch at Scarborough Shoal in exchange for bottle of water, cigarettes or beer.
During the forum, fishermen narrated how the Chinese military manning Bajo de Masinloc took portions of their catch.
They asked the government to put a stop to the practice as it was depriving them of their hard-earned catch.
Roseller Latagen, 50, in an interview, said Chinese Coast Guard members took as much as PHP3,000 worth of their fish catch in exchange for two small bottles of mineral water.
Latagen claimed they are only allowed to fish near Scarborough Shoal for two to three months in a year while Chinese fishermen, who even destroy corals, are allowed to fish year round.
"What we were doing was just to go fishing near where we can only catch a few kilos just enough to feed (our) family," he said.
Angelico Pilon, a 72-year-old fisherman from Masinloc town, echoed Latagen's comment.
Pilon expressed hope the government can help them so they can be allowed inside the shoal to enable them to get bigger catch and also provide a refuge for fishermen during storms.
But there are also some fishermen who said the Chinese Coast Guard members are nice, kind and helpful.
Floro Delegencia, another fisherman from Masinloc, narrated how one time they went to Scarborough Shoal and Chinese Coast Guard members came on their boat and brought with them bottles of beer and cigarettes.
Commodore Nichols Driz, commander of the Naval Forces North Luzon (NFNL) Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said the fishermen's complaints and suggestions will give the government an idea on how to best improve their services for the betterment of the plight of fishermen, especially those near Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal.
He said closer interaction among the fishermen and other concerned government agencies like the Philippine Navy, the Coast Guard, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and local government units (LGUs) involved would help a lot in creating appropriate actions.
Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua on Wednesday assured that his government was investigating concerns raised by Filipino fishermen that the Chinese Coast Guard might forcibly take their catch the next time they fish at the disputed Scarborough Shoal.
Zhao assured there would be disciplinary action in accordance with their own regulations. (PNA)
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http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038346
PH aiming for permanent fishing agreement in Scarborough Shoal
By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora June 15, 2018, 11:10 am
MANILA -- Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano on Thursday said the Philippines is aiming for a permanent fishing agreement in Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc, which is established as a traditional fishing ground for Filipinos, Chinese, Taiwanese and Vietnamese by an arbitral ruling.
But by doing so, Cayetano said that all claimants must undergo series of discussions first given that the issue involved is territorial in nature.
Following a 2012 standoff between Chinese and Philippine vessels in Scarborough Shoal, fishermen were only able to operate back in the area last 2016 after President Rodrigo R. Duterte engaged Beijing in talks.
With this, the current "tentative agreement" in place becomes essential until claimants, who refuse to yield from their positions, find a common ground for an accord, Cayetano said.
"We have a tentative fishing agreement, (but) there won't be a (permanent) fishing agreement if all sides will insist whose the area is, but this does not mean we'll concede our rights there," he told reporters in mixed Filipino.
He assured the government will work towards a permanent agreement in the area, although he admitted this may take a long time.
Assurances made
The government was on the receiving end of criticisms after reports of alleged harassment in Bajo de Masinloc surfaced last week, when a video caught the Chinese Coast Guard filching fish from Filipino fishermen.
Responding to this, Cayetano said the Philippine government too wants to change the status quo if there are incidents of Filipino fishermen having unpleasant encounters with the Chinese.
"China has committed through their ambassador that they will apply the law and the agreement and they will be harsh to those magva-violate," he added.
Meanwhile, Cayetano did not pick on the statement of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs who said Beijing was allowing Filipino fishermen in the Scarborough Shoal "out of goodwill."
"Vietnam and Malaysia won't concede from their position, the Philippines and China too, that's why they had to answer it that way because they never agreed to
give up their position at this point in time," he said, referring to Beijing.
Cayetano had stressed that both Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping recognized it is difficult for all claimant countries to withdraw from their positions.
"The style in diplomacy is for both sides to lay down their positions, and that's the longest part because no one budges from that, that's why there is a tentative (agreement) first," he said.
"From (that) stand, the second part is where each one is willing to give a little. That is where we are now and that process can take a week or a hundred years. That is the reality when your dispute is territorial in nature." (PNA)