The development of the former USSR oil and gas resources presents considerable political and legal challenges, such as intergovernmental agreements, delimitation of borders, and jurisdiction over the energy resources (e.g., Caspian basin). In this respect the pipeline transportation and transit have become increasingly important issues. In view of Article 7 of the Energy Charter Treaty, the novel public international law obligation of states to facilitate and not to impede the transport of energy through pipelines, this article will briefly consider the possible international forums for the resolution of legal conflicts over pipeline transit in the former Soviet Union.

This essay discusses international law aspects of an airport in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), concentrating on the law of the sea and air law. The law of the sea gives a more positive answer to the question regarding the feasibility of the operation of an airport in the EEZ than air law. At the same time, the evolution of regimes, including also EC law and policy, may facilitate acceptance of international operations at a national airport in the EEZ. Finally, the prevailing circumstances, such as economic, financial and environmental considerations, will be liable to affect the acceptability of an airport in the sea, more particularly in the EEZ.

In Surinam, in December 1982, fifteen political opponents of the military regime were allegedly tortured and killed. Fourteen were of Surinam nationality and one was Dutch. There was never an official inquiry by either the Surinam or the Dutch authorities, but several international bodies investigated and reported on the case. The main responsibility of the crime can be attributed to Mr D.D. Bouterse, who has been able to move freely since 1982 and still appears to be occupying an influential position in Surinam. Recently, however, both the Surinam Court of Justice and the Dutch Amsterdam Court of Appeal have decided that Bouterse can be prosecuted. In Surinam, he is to be prosecuted for murder on the basis of national criminal law. The Amsterdam Court ordered that prosecution take place for the international crime of torture on the basis of universal jurisdiction.

Arbitration has been likened to a runaway train. Neverthless, internationally, it often remains the only way to get from A to B. The purpose of the CILS Conference is to examine and discuss important aspects of this journey with experienced internationals arbitrators, lawyers, and others.