Addis Ababa,Dec. 26 (ENA)--The Ethio-Eritrean border claim would get a final ruling late in February next year, a spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The spokesperson made the remark when the Ethiopian delegation led by Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin arrived at the Bole International airport from the Netherlands on Monday.

During its stay in The Hague, the delegation made a heated debate on the border claim based on the documents presented by Ethiopia earlier, the spokesperson said.

The two parties have submitted their border claims in written form three times over the past few months, he said, adding that the latest debate in The Hague was conducted orally.

The written form of the Ethiopian border claim was prepared by Ethiopian professionals and international law experts who have an in-depth knowledge on the issue, the spokesperson said.

He said Foreign Minister Seyoum has made it clear at the debate that Ethiopia's border claim was justified and the areas claimed by Eritrea were Ethiopian territories governed by the Ethiopian administration.

The spokesperson said given the tangible and detailed proofs presented by Ethiopia there was a firm belief that the final ruling would ensure Ethiopia's national interest.

The final ruling would be announced both in written and map forms, the spokesperson said, adding that the delimitation process would then follow.

Senior government officials welcomed the delegation upon arrival at the Bole International Airport.

(ENA)