MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

The Hague ruling on Botnia pulp mill controversy will “favour Uruguay”

Paul Reichler, from Foley & Hoag, Boston representing Uruguay

The International Court of The Hague will rule favourably for Uruguay in the litigation with Argentina over the Botnia pulp mill constructed on the Uruguayan side of a jointly managed river, anticipated Uruguay’s chief attorney in the case, Paul Reichler.

“We anticipate that Uruguay will come out fine with the ruling”, said Reichler who visited the Botnia pulp mill in Fray Bentos which has been in production for two years.

However this “does not mean that Argentina will be left in an uncomfortable position”.

Reichler quoted by the Uruguayan press said the ruling will most probably state that the pulp mill does not violate the Uruguay/Argentina joint administration treaty of the River Uruguay, as claimed by Argentina to demand the immediate re-location of the plant, but it will also include a chapter underlining Argentina’s concern with the environment impact and its responsibility in the issue.

“Argentina complied with its duties before its own people”, said Reichler.

“The resolution will be positive for both sides for having tried to solve the conflict. “Winning or loosing is less relevant than the fact that it will put an end to the ongoing controversy in a fair and just form opening the way for the resumption of a normal relation between the neighbouring countries, which is what really matters”, pointed out Reichler from Foley & Hoag, Boston who represent Uruguay in The Hague.

The final ruling is expected to be drafted in February next year and made public sometime in April/May.