11/18/2009

Dhaka: The UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf have deferred further action on Burma's claim on the outer continental shelf in the Bay of Bengal, stated a press release from the Bangladesh foreign ministry yesterday.

Burma submitted its claim to the outer limit of the continental shelf off the Arakan coast to the UN CLCS on 16 December, 2008.

Bangladesh objected to Burma's claim by submitting notes of protest with reference to disputes in the sea to the UN Secretary General on June 23, 2009.

According to the press release, the formation of a sub-commission for Burma was suspended in consideration of Bangladesh's protest against Burma's claim, which was presented by Burmese authorities during the 24th session of the commission on August 24, 2009.

The commission was said to have considered Bangladesh's protest against Burma's claim to the continental shelf under paragraph 5(a) of Annex I of the Rules of Procedure.

The commission has also decided to consider any further developments that might occur during the intervening period, including provisional arrangements of a practical nature provided for in the Rules.

"Consequently, further action on Myanmar's claim on the outer limits of the continental shelf remains suspended," said the foreign ministry in its statement.

The maritime dispute between Burma and Bangladesh mounted as Bangladesh moved to explore hydrocarbon by taking bids last year from foreign companies for offshore blocks that overlapped with Burma's territorial claim in the Bay of Bengal.