last week of October or the first week of November 2012, on the ground that both the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Respondent's two legal representatives would be committed at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States of America. 12. The Applicant by a letter dated 28 August, 2012 , informed the Registry that if the hearing was adjourned to the 271h Ordinary·Session, scheduled for Mauritius, he would not be able to attend due to the cost, and invoked Rule 55 of the Rules, requesting the Court to consider proceeding with the hearing of the case as scheduled, even if the Respondent had not confirmed its availability. 13. During its 261h Ordinary Session held from 17 to 28 September, 2012, the Court decided that the hearing should take place from 29 - 30 November, 2012, at its 21'h Ordinary Session in Mauritius, and decided that it will provide assistance to the Applicant to enable him attend the session in Mauritius. That was done and at the 271h Ordinary Session held from 26 November to 7 December, 2012, the Court held a public hearing where both parties presented oral arguments. 14. Public hearings were held on 29 and 30 November, 2012 during which oral arguments were heard on both the preliminary objections and the merits. The parties were represented as follows: For the Applicant: Mr. Urban Mkandawire - self-represented - - - ~(5]