The exchange of words between Scotland and Ireland may have settled down but just as they do Iceland pops up to remind everyone that it has a claim on the rock as well:
https://www.rte.ie/news/2019/0621/1056733-iceland-rockall/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-48724832
Iceland points out its vessels fish the waters around the disputed uninhabited outcrop over which Scotland (via the UK) claims a 12 mile territorial sea limit.
Ireland is more pragmatic saying it does not believe any country has a sovereign claim on the island.
Just to further complicate matters Denmark on behalf of the Faroes has a claim as well, although so far they have refrained from comment,
Helpfully Iceland’s government aver the issue should be settled via UNCLOS which is probably a sound idea given the last time Iceland was involved in ‘Cod wars’ with the UK they won!
Image: Rockall – Inset Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson Foreign Minister of Iceland
Bernard Moffatt
Assistant General Secretary Celtic League
