Decision No. 1051 of 1958 concerning the Continental Shelf

Presidential Decision No. 1051 of 1958 concerning the Continental Shelf The President of the Republic, Having reviewed the Decree issued on 15 January 1951 concerning the territorial waters, as amended by Presidential Decision No. 180 of 1958, and article 17 of the Syrian Penal Code issued under legislative Act No. 148 of 27 June 1949, And acting on the recommendation of the State Council, Hereby decides as follows: The United Arab Republic shall exercise rights of sovereignty over the seabed and its subsoil in the continental shelf beyond the territorial waters to the point where the depth of the water is 200 metres and deeper to the limit within which the natural resources of the bottom can be exploited. The United Arab Republic shall also have rights of sovereignty over the similar continental shelf with respect to the islands of the United Arab Republic. The foregoing is without prejudice to the description of the waters over these areas as being part of the high seas, nor shall it be detrimental to free navigation in these waters and the air space over them. The United Arab Republic shall have the exclusive right to explore, prospect and exploit all natural and mineral resources and other non-living resources as well as living organisms of the indigenous species which exist on the bottom of the sea and its subsoil in the areas indicated in the first article. To exercise this right, the United Arab Republic may construct, maintain and operate the required installations, and establish around these installations security areas for a distance of 500 metres, in which it would take the necessary action for their protection. Establishment or exercise of the rights referred to in the preceding articles shall not be contingent on the actual or symbolic possession of these areas or on the issue of special permits. No foreign person, natural or juridical, may exploit the natural resources indicated in the second article, prospect or search for them or undertake any research whatsoever in the continental shelves unless by a decision of the President of the Republic. This decision shall be published in the official Gazette, and shall enter into force as from the date of its publication. Issued at the Presidential Palace on 19 Safar, 1378 Hijri (3 September 1958).