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requiring assistance in understanding difficult
territorial and boundary issues.
We take a multi-disciplinary approach to boundaries,
working closely with lawyers, cartographers,
geologists, anthropologists, historians and archivists
where necessary to deliver enhanced understanding for
our clients, and between us possess decades of
experience in advising governments, oil gas and mining
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questions.
Notes from the margin: Recent Boundary Related News
UNCLOS deadline raises temperatures in South China Seas
May 11th, 2009
The temperature of the South China Sea has risen several degrees as the deadline for continental shelf extensions has finally arrived. On May 7th, Malaysia and Vietnam submitted a joint claim for the delineation of the outer limits of their continental shelf. Read More...
The temperature of the South China Sea has risen several degrees as the deadline for continental shelf extensions has finally arrived. On May 7th, Malaysia and Vietnam submitted a joint claim for the delineation of the outer limits of their continental shelf. Read More...
Kenya-Uganda demarcation commences
May 5th, 2009
The Ugandan-Kenyan border demarcation exercise is to be launched May 11th to resolve the ongoing dispute over Migingo Island in Lake Victoria, Dow Jones reported May 5th.
Read More...
The Ugandan-Kenyan border demarcation exercise is to be launched May 11th to resolve the ongoing dispute over Migingo Island in Lake Victoria, Dow Jones reported May 5th.
Read More...
The Syrian-Lebanese boundary issue
17th February, 2009
By Chaouki Boutharouite
The delimitation of the Syrian borders has been characterized by rivalries and tensions among neighbour states and further complicated by regional wars. Relations
between the Syrian Arab Republic and Lebanon have been marked by political conflicts and instability since their emancipation from French colonial rule in the
1940s. Read More...
By Chaouki Boutharouite
The delimitation of the Syrian borders has been characterized by rivalries and tensions among neighbour states and further complicated by regional wars. Relations
between the Syrian Arab Republic and Lebanon have been marked by political conflicts and instability since their emancipation from French colonial rule in the
1940s. Read More...
WESTERN SAHARA: old conflict, new challenges
17th February, 2009
By Chaouki Boutharouite
The decision to extend MINURSO’s mandate until April 2009 and the recent nomination of Christopher Ross –a former U.S. Ambassador to Algeria and Syria- as the new UN Special Envoy for the Western Sahara can be considered as the last concrete developments on the Western Sahara issue. Read More...
By Chaouki Boutharouite
The decision to extend MINURSO’s mandate until April 2009 and the recent nomination of Christopher Ross –a former U.S. Ambassador to Algeria and Syria- as the new UN Special Envoy for the Western Sahara can be considered as the last concrete developments on the Western Sahara issue. Read More...
The Croatia-Slovenia Border Dispute
5th February, 2009
By Alexander Jackson
2009 could be a critical year for solving a long-running border dispute between Croatia and Slovenia which has hamstrung regional integration in the Adriatic region. The row, which commentators in both states have referred to (perhaps dramatically) as a ‘bloodless war’ , focuses primarily on the disputed Bay of Piran, a 20sq km bay which lies between the two neighbours. Read More...
By Alexander Jackson
2009 could be a critical year for solving a long-running border dispute between Croatia and Slovenia which has hamstrung regional integration in the Adriatic region. The row, which commentators in both states have referred to (perhaps dramatically) as a ‘bloodless war’ , focuses primarily on the disputed Bay of Piran, a 20sq km bay which lies between the two neighbours. Read More...
Moldova and Transdniestra
29th December, 2008
By Alexander Jackson
The conflict between Moldova and its separatist breakaway region of Transdniestra has garnered more international attention than usual in the wake of the war between Russia and Georgia, since the situation in Moldova is commonly grouped with the separatist regions of Georgia and Nagorno-Karabakh as one of the post-Soviet ‘frozen conflicts’. However, the four vary considerably in causes, processes, and geopolitical significance. Read More...
By Alexander Jackson
The conflict between Moldova and its separatist breakaway region of Transdniestra has garnered more international attention than usual in the wake of the war between Russia and Georgia, since the situation in Moldova is commonly grouped with the separatist regions of Georgia and Nagorno-Karabakh as one of the post-Soviet ‘frozen conflicts’. However, the four vary considerably in causes, processes, and geopolitical significance. Read More...
Somaliland: Piracy and Recognition
19th December, 2008
by Lisa Magloff
The international attention on piracy in the Gulf of Aden has given the Somaliland’s search for recognition a new lease on life. Last week, the government of Somaliland again offered the international community use of its ports and coastline in launching anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf, once again highlighting Somaliland’s Quixotic quest for recognition as an independent state and the unusual situation which sees the one relatively stable proto-democracy in the region denied statehood... Read More...
by Lisa Magloff
The international attention on piracy in the Gulf of Aden has given the Somaliland’s search for recognition a new lease on life. Last week, the government of Somaliland again offered the international community use of its ports and coastline in launching anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf, once again highlighting Somaliland’s Quixotic quest for recognition as an independent state and the unusual situation which sees the one relatively stable proto-democracy in the region denied statehood... Read More...
Greek and Turkish tempers flare over Turkish oil exploration in the Aegean Sea
27th November, 2008
A dispute over oil exploration in the Aegean Sea has threatened to flare up, following an incident, November 15, in which a Norwegian research vessel and its Turkish frigate escort, were asked to abandon their activities around Greece’s easternmost island, Kastelorizo...
Read More...
A dispute over oil exploration in the Aegean Sea has threatened to flare up, following an incident, November 15, in which a Norwegian research vessel and its Turkish frigate escort, were asked to abandon their activities around Greece’s easternmost island, Kastelorizo...
Read More...
Drilling in disputed waters - what risks for international energy companies?
27th November, 2008
By Charles Claypoole, Senior Associate, Pinsent Masons LLP
Over the last ten years Joint Development Agreements (JDAs) have come to be regarded as an ideal means of resolving maritime boundary disputes. Through bringing to a close intractable negotiations and avoiding the cost and uncertainty of litigation, they are regarded as something of a win-win solution: States set aside their legal differences, enter into arrangements that foster neighbourly cooperation and goodwill, and secure immediate access by both States to previously disputed hydrocarbons. Read More...
By Charles Claypoole, Senior Associate, Pinsent Masons LLP
Over the last ten years Joint Development Agreements (JDAs) have come to be regarded as an ideal means of resolving maritime boundary disputes. Through bringing to a close intractable negotiations and avoiding the cost and uncertainty of litigation, they are regarded as something of a win-win solution: States set aside their legal differences, enter into arrangements that foster neighbourly cooperation and goodwill, and secure immediate access by both States to previously disputed hydrocarbons. Read More...
Greek Cypriots move to open up 11 offshore blocks for E&P, fuelling tension with Turkey
27th November, 2008
Recent oil and gas exploration by Cyprus has been met with anger by Turkey. Turkish and Cypriot leaders met on September 11th for direct talks about the future of the divided island, but the two countries, at odds since 1974, seem once again to be on the verge of a stalemate. Read More...
Recent oil and gas exploration by Cyprus has been met with anger by Turkey. Turkish and Cypriot leaders met on September 11th for direct talks about the future of the divided island, but the two countries, at odds since 1974, seem once again to be on the verge of a stalemate. Read More...
United Arab Emirates declare Iran’s island offices “illegal”
10th September , 2008
According to a statement released by the Gulf Cooperation Council, the ministerial council has demanded the removal of two offices which have been established by Iran on the disputed island of Abu Musa...
Read More...
According to a statement released by the Gulf Cooperation Council, the ministerial council has demanded the removal of two offices which have been established by Iran on the disputed island of Abu Musa...
Read More...
New Zealand optimistic on Continental Shelf Claim
10th September, 2008
New Zealand is expecting a positive response to a continental shelf claim lodged in 2006, and which if successful would entitle the country to some 1.6 million square kilometres of seabed... Read More...
New Zealand is expecting a positive response to a continental shelf claim lodged in 2006, and which if successful would entitle the country to some 1.6 million square kilometres of seabed... Read More...
Rival Cypriot leaders meet for direct talks
10th September, 2008
Rival Cypriot leaders met for direct talks over the island’s future for the first time in four years, September 3, local press has reported... Read More...
Rival Cypriot leaders met for direct talks over the island’s future for the first time in four years, September 3, local press has reported... Read More...
UK makes Atlantic Sea Bed Claim
27th August, 2008
The BBC has reported, August 27th, that Britain will present a continental shelf claim for the region surrounding its overseas territory, Ascension Island...
Read More...
The BBC has reported, August 27th, that Britain will present a continental shelf claim for the region surrounding its overseas territory, Ascension Island...
Read More...
Ghana “to extend continental shelf limit” says land and fisheries minister Dapaah.
27th August, 2008
The West African state of Ghana has declared, August 13th, that it is to submit a claim to extend the limit of its continental shelf beyond the 200 mile limit...
Read More...
The West African state of Ghana has declared, August 13th, that it is to submit a claim to extend the limit of its continental shelf beyond the 200 mile limit...
Read More...
Russia Recognises Independence of breakaways as Serbs declare, “we told you so.”
26th August, 2008
The two Georgian breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia have now been officially recognised as independent by the Russian Federation...
Read More...
The two Georgian breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia have now been officially recognised as independent by the Russian Federation...
Read More...
Preah Vihear
20th August, 2008
The announcement of a top-level meeting between Thai and Cambodian officials has raised hopes of an end to the long-running battle over access to an ancient temple, which is both a place of pilgrimage and has recently become a UNESCO listed tourist attraction... Read More...
The announcement of a top-level meeting between Thai and Cambodian officials has raised hopes of an end to the long-running battle over access to an ancient temple, which is both a place of pilgrimage and has recently become a UNESCO listed tourist attraction... Read More...
Nigerians to hand over Bakassi
14th August, 2008
A flag-swapping ceremony will mark the handing over by Nigeria of the long disputed Bakassi peninsula to Cameroon today, despite a number of events intended to stall the handover... Read More...
A flag-swapping ceremony will mark the handing over by Nigeria of the long disputed Bakassi peninsula to Cameroon today, despite a number of events intended to stall the handover... Read More...
Lebanon and Syria to demarcate their border
14th August, 2008
At a news conference, August 14, the governments of Syria and Lebanon confirmed that they would be proceeding with the demarcation of their shared border as part of a broader effort to improve relations between the two countries... Read More...
At a news conference, August 14, the governments of Syria and Lebanon confirmed that they would be proceeding with the demarcation of their shared border as part of a broader effort to improve relations between the two countries... Read More...
US sets out to map its icy continental shelf
12th August, 2008
The Reuters news agency has reported that a U.S. Coast Guard cutter is soon to embark on a voyage to determine the extent of the continental shelf north of Alaska and to map the ocean floor, in the course of a three-week journey commencing August 14...
Read More...
The Reuters news agency has reported that a U.S. Coast Guard cutter is soon to embark on a voyage to determine the extent of the continental shelf north of Alaska and to map the ocean floor, in the course of a three-week journey commencing August 14...
Read More...
Korea to develop hydrates resources despite Japanese protests in disputed island region
1st August, 2008
South Korea is likely to step up efforts to develop energy resources near a cluster of rocks contested between Korea and Japan, newswires report. Observers expect the move could increase the level of tension over the islets, (known as Dokdo and Takeshima in Korean and Japanese respectively.)...
Read More...
South Korea is likely to step up efforts to develop energy resources near a cluster of rocks contested between Korea and Japan, newswires report. Observers expect the move could increase the level of tension over the islets, (known as Dokdo and Takeshima in Korean and Japanese respectively.)...
Read More...
Malta and Libya at odds over offshore exploration
8th July, 2008
A note in the annual report of Canadian oil company has revealed that friction continues between Libya and Malta over the sovereignty of undersea resources in the joint off-shore zone... Read More...
A note in the annual report of Canadian oil company has revealed that friction continues between Libya and Malta over the sovereignty of undersea resources in the joint off-shore zone... Read More...
Revocation of Jammu temple land provokes nationwide Indian demonstrations
3rd July, 2008
The Times of India has reported that several major roads and railways across the country have been blocked by demonstrations against a decision by the state governor of Jammu & Kashmir, to revoke an allotment of a parcel of land to a Hindu Temple... Read More...
The Times of India has reported that several major roads and railways across the country have been blocked by demonstrations against a decision by the state governor of Jammu & Kashmir, to revoke an allotment of a parcel of land to a Hindu Temple... Read More...
Serbia on charm offensive at Sharm El-Sheik
21st June, 2008
While the hot topic at the African Union meeting at Sharm El-Sheik is the legitimacy of Robert Mugabe in presidential elections, other agendas, will of course be discussed on the sidelines... Read More...
While the hot topic at the African Union meeting at Sharm El-Sheik is the legitimacy of Robert Mugabe in presidential elections, other agendas, will of course be discussed on the sidelines... Read More...
Shetland pensioner to declare “independence” for tiny isle
19th June, 2008
A UK newspaper has reported that on June 21st, a former castaway will declare himself to be the head of the new state of Forvik, a breakaway from the United Kingdom and the European Union.... Read More...
A UK newspaper has reported that on June 21st, a former castaway will declare himself to be the head of the new state of Forvik, a breakaway from the United Kingdom and the European Union.... Read More...
Ban Ki-Moon to mediate on Gabon/Equatorial Guinea border
16th June, 2008
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has opened a mediation session between Gabon and Equatorial Guinea... Read More...
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has opened a mediation session between Gabon and Equatorial Guinea... Read More...
Eritrea rejects world criticism over Djibouti clash
13th June, 2008
Eritrean media has accused the United States government of using clashes on the Eritrean/Djibouti border as part of a plot to create regional uncertainty... Read More...
Eritrean media has accused the United States government of using clashes on the Eritrean/Djibouti border as part of a plot to create regional uncertainty... Read More...
No need to monkey with Arctic regional rivals insist
29th May, 2008
There is no need for a new international legal regime to regulate activities in the Arctic, a five nation panel of Arctic nations declared last week in the Greenland town of Disko, conveying the message that they could be trusted to look after the region themselves once their conflicting claims to the Arctic Continental shelf had been settled under the 1982 Law of the Sea... Read More...
There is no need for a new international legal regime to regulate activities in the Arctic, a five nation panel of Arctic nations declared last week in the Greenland town of Disko, conveying the message that they could be trusted to look after the region themselves once their conflicting claims to the Arctic Continental shelf had been settled under the 1982 Law of the Sea... Read More...
Singapore takes Pedra Branca – but is it a win-win?
23rd May, 2008
The small and contested island of Pedra Branca, or Pulau Batu Puteh belongs to Singapore, the International Court of Justice ruled May 23rd, thus ending years of speculation as to its ownership... Read More...
The small and contested island of Pedra Branca, or Pulau Batu Puteh belongs to Singapore, the International Court of Justice ruled May 23rd, thus ending years of speculation as to its ownership... Read More...