ENB:07:16
[
Next] .
[
Previous] .
[
Contents]
UN CONVENTION ON THE LAW OF THE SEA:
The next round of the
UN Secretary-General's informal consultations on Part XI of the Law
of the Sea was scheduled to be held immediately following this
session of the Conference, 2-6 August 1993. Part XI deals with the
exploitation of sea-bed resources and the establishment of the
International Sea-Bed Authority. Disagreement on this part of the
Convention has delayed ratification by many States and its entry
into force. At the last round of these informal consultations in
May 1993, the US stated that it is now ready to participate in
negotiations to "repair" Part XI. If some agreement is reached at
this round of informal consultations, it is likely that an
appropriate process will be found to commence accelerated
negotiations on this section, making it possible for many countries
to ratify the Convention. The Convention has been ratified by 56 of
the 60 countries necessary for it to enter into force. Look for
movement on this issue over the next several months, with possible
resolution during the coming session of the General Assembly.