Third round of talks on Sipadan and Ligitan Isles begin today

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Malaysia will begin the third round of talks on the disputed islands of Sipadan and Ligitan this morning.

During the two-day meeting, the joint working groups are expected to discuss their findings based on the documents presented during the previous meeting in January.

The Indonesian delegation at the talks will be lead by the Foreign Ministry's Director General of Political Affairs Izhar Ibrahim, and Malaysia's by its Foreign Ministry's Secretary General Ahmad Kamil Jaafar.

Held at the Sari Pan Pacific Hotel, the meeting serves as a continuation of the inaugural talks which began in July 1992.

The two islands are located just off the east coast of Kalimantan.

Despite failing to reach any sort of accord in Kuala Lumpur, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas remained upbeat, contending that the talks were still far from any sort of deadlock.

At the time the two sides agreed to exchange and examine documents supporting their mutual claims and adjourn discussions for four months.

Though the dispute has remained a potential hot spot, both Malaysia and Indonesia remain adamant in their quest for a peaceful and diplomatic solution.

Based on a 1969 agreement, the sides agreed to maintain the status quo pending further negotiations.

The situation was aggravated when Malaysia, in violation of the 1969 agreement, began developing and promoting Sipadan Island as a new tourist destination.

The area, renowned for its coral reefs, is considered one of the world's premier diving spots.

Kuala Lumpur suspended its activities after receiving strong protests from Jakarta.(mds)