SEABED COMMISSION AGREES TO LOOK AT HIGH SEAS BIODIVERSITY

(Reissued as received.)

KINGSTON, 31 July (International Seabed Authority) -- The Legal and Technical Commission of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) agreed in Kingston this afternoon on steps to involve itself more closely in biodiversity issues relating to deep-sea mineral exploration and exploitation.

SEABED ASSEMBLY AND COUNCIL OPEN KINGSTON SESSION

(Reissued as received.)

KINGSTON, 30 JULY (International Seabed Authority) -- The Assembly and the Council of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) convened for the Authority's ninth session in Kingston today, adopting their agendas for the session, which runs from 28 July to 8 August.

JOZEF FRANZEN OF SLOVAKIA ELECTED PRESIDENT OF SEABED ASSEMBLY FOR 2003

(Reissued as received.)

KINGSTON, 30 July (International Seabed Authority) -- Jozef Franzen (Slovakia), who was elected today as President of the Assembly of the International Seabed Authority at its ninth session (2003), is Plenipotentiary of the Slovak Government in the Interoceanmetal Joint Organization (IOM).

SEABED AUTHORITY TO RESUME STUDY OF HYDROTHERMAL SULPHIDES AND COBALT CRUSTS, 28 JULY TO 8 AUGUST

(Reissued as received.)

Meeting of States Parties

to Law of Sea Convention

76^th Meeting (AM)             

CONCLUDING CURRENT SESSION, MEETING OF STATES PARTIES TO LAW OF SEA CONVENTION

APPROVES CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE REPORT

Meeting of States Parties

to Law of Sea Convention

74^th & 75^th Meetings (AM & PM)      

Meeting of States Parties

to Law of Sea Convention

73^rd Meeting (AM)       

STATES PARTIES APPROVE FINANCIAL REGULATIONS FOR LAW OF SEA TRIBUNAL

Also Elect Meeting Vice-Presidents, Members of Credentials Committee

Meeting of States Parties

to Law of Sea Convention

72^nd Meeting (AM)       

PRIORITIES FOR SEABED AUTHORITY ARE DEVELOPMENT OF REGULATIONS FOR SEABED

MINERALS, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, STATES PARTIES TOLD

Concerns Expressed Regarding Tribunal’s Budget, Tax Reimbursement for Staff

Meeting of States Parties

to Law of Sea Convention

71^st Meeting (AM) 

STATES PARTIES TO LAW OF SEA CONVENTION OPEN CURRENT SESSION

Report of Tribunal Presented, Budget Introduced

STATES PARTIES TO LAW OF SEA CONVENTION TO MEET AT HEADQUARTERS, 9 - 13 JUNE