The replication of Bolivia culminated today on the last day of oral arguments at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Following this presentation, Foreign Minister Heraldo Muñoz described The Bolivian arguments as "confusing and inconsistent," adding that they "do not correspond to reality." Furthermore, he said that the country "did not answer with any precision to the positions of Chile."
With respect to the assessment of this week's oral hearings, the Foreign Minister said that it is "very positive" and expressed confidence in the strength of the Chilean arguments. "They were clear, they were strong and they were not evasive," he said.
He also stated that the approach of the national legal team was "respectful of international law and adjusted to the question that is at stake today," referring the preliminary objection raised by Chile. "We do not believe that the Court has jurisdiction to hear the Bolivian demand," he said. In that regard, he noted that "the Pact of Bogotá, due to its history, its spirit, its own text, is extremely clear and does not allow reopening cases resolved by treaties, specifically in this case by the Treaty of 1904."
The Secretary of State stressed the unity shown not only by the delegation that was in The Hague, but of all the political forces in Chile. "We are supported in this exercise of defending the sovereignty of our country and we would especially like to thank the President of the Republic who has been, from the beginning, very involved in each of the steps that have been taken in this process," he said. He also thanked the national and international legal team, headed by Agent Felipe Bulnes. "They have done an impeccable job defending our national interests," he emphasized.
Finally, Minister Muñoz said that he is waiting "calmly for the decision of the Court" and indicated that upon his return to Chile, he will inform President Michelle Bachelet of the details of the work over the week in The Hague.