The Contribution of the International Court of Justice to the continental shelf disputes in the Mediterranean Sea

Abstract

In this thesis, after explaining the historical evolution of the concept of the continental shelf, It is tried to show how the International Court of Justice (ICJ) solved two continental shelf disputes - the Tunisia-Libya Case and the Aegean Sea Case - in the Mediten'anean Sea. Then, the other cases that deal with continental shelf delimitation and the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice are take into account. The Mediterranean Sea is characteresed by the diversity in ethnic, cultural and political perceptions all of which become a reason for potential instabilities and crises. Therefore, the solution of the continental shelf disputes contribute to peace and security in the Mediterranean Sea, playing a crucial role in eliminating increasing tensions. In the conclusion, it is argued that the solution of the legal aspect is not sufficient. Because of the changing nature of the law on the subject and the inconsistency in the decisions of the International Court of Justice, a system of projects for joint development are suggested as a means for peaceful final solutions of the disputes.