Vietnam supports UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
Oct. 27 (VNA) -- Ambassador Pham Binh Minh, Deputy Permanant representative of Viet Nam to United Nations expressed appreciation and satisfaction for the tremendous efforts and valuable contribution made by the Division of Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (the Office of Legal Affairs), other international institutions relating to the question of "Oceans and the Law of the Sea" this year.
Speaking at the plenary meeting of the 55th General Assembly, Agenda 34 "Oceans and the Law of the Sea" on Oct. 26, 2000, he said:
"The 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and its relevant instruments have enjoyed the strong and effective support by the Government of Vietnam. Viet Nam always considers the Convention as a framework for national, regional and global activities in the maritime areas and continental shelves. It is of great importance that the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea should be seriously observed by States Parties. Under the Convention States Parties, among other things, are to respect the others' sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over their maritime areas, continental shelves and exclusive economic zones. Unilateral activities, declarations and arrangements of the States are required to abide strictly by the provisions of the Convention. Therefore, those run counter to the provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and its Annexes are considered as null and void by Vietnam. Being a State Party to the Convention, Viet Nam always respects the provisions of the Convention and fulfills its international commitments, and therefore demands other Parties do likewise."
"Based on the provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Government of Viet Nam continues to adopt new laws and regulations and amend outdated ones to further the harmonization between national law and international law of the sea. In implementing its National Programme of Maritime Affairs, my Government places high priority on educating the people about optimum exploitation as well as managing and preserving the marine resources and environment. My Government also focuses on developing regional and international cooperation in marine scientific research and technology transfer, fishery, oil exploration and exploitation. Wishing to create a favourable environment based on mutual understanding and confidence for future settlement of disputes in maritime boundaries in the East Sea (South China Sea), Viet Nam is exerting great efforts to cooperate with China and other ASEAN members to develop a regional Code of Conduct on the East Sea, fully support the 1992 ASEAN Declaration and the 1997 ASEAN-China Declaration on the principles of resolving disputes in the East (South China) Sea."
He confirmed the willingness of the Government of Viet Nam to extend her full cooperation for the effective implementation of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as well as our Government's commitment to the promotion of an orderly regime of oceans in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation as stated in the Convention.
