Chilean President Sebastian Pinera said Wednesday his country would abide by any verdict by the Hague-based International Court of Justice (ICJ) on maritime dispute with Peru, but would also exercise its rights.

The ICJ is expected to issue a verdict on Jan. 27 in a suit filed by Peru in 2008, which accused Chile of encroaching on its territorial waters.

Chile has defended its legitimate interests in accordance with the international law, Pinera said after meeting with the Chilean Council on International Relations.

"Chile will exercise every right to defend the country's legitimate interests," he said, adding however, "ties between Chile and Peru will not end on Jan. 27."

In the dispute that has caused tension between the two countries, Peru claims there is no real maritime border treaty between them, while Chile maintains that a 1952 fishing agreement signed by both sides set maritime boundaries.

Both governments have pledged to abide by the final verdict regardless of the result. Endi

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