Annan welcomes Canada's ratification of law of the sea treaty

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said today he was delighted that Canada, one of the world's major maritime States, has ratified the Law of the Sea Convention.

A statement issued by a spokesman for Mr. Annan in New York described the ratification as "a momentous occasion in the history of the Convention."

"Canada has also been highly prominent in the development of the law of the sea, both at the Third UN Conference and as a key promoter of the UN Fish Stocks Agreement," spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

Mr. Dujarric said Canada has special interests in maritime trade, fisheries and protection of the marine environment.

The Convention on the Law of the Sea entered into force on 16 November 1994. It governs all aspects of ocean space, from delimitation of maritime boundaries, environmental regulations, scientific research, commerce and the settlement of international disputes involving marine issues.