The President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea,

Having regard to article 27 of the Statute of the Tribunal,

Having regard to the Notification submitted by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to Guinea on 22 December 1997 instituting the proceedings provided for in Annex VII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in respect of the M/V "Saiga",

Having regard to the Request submitted by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the Tribunal on 13 January 1998, for the prescription of provisional measures by the Tribunal in accordance with article 290, paragraph 5, of the Convention,

Having ascertained the views of the Parties,

Whereas, pursuant to article 90, paragraph 2, of the Rules of the Tribunal, the Tribunal shall fix the earliest possible date for a hearing,

Fixes 23 February 1998 as the date for the opening of the hearing.