Official Proclamation regarding exploitation of the maritime zone contiguous to the territorial sea of 23 November 1957

Page 1 National legislation - DOALOS/OLA - United Nations asdf OFFICIAL PROCLAMATION OF 23 NOVEMBER l957 The Government of Iraq being anxious to exploit the natural resources of Iraq to the fullest possible extent, and being convinced that a considerable amount of such resources lies at the bottom of the maritime zone extending outwards to the sea and contiguous to the Iraqi territorial sea, and being further confident that the exploitation of such resources in such a way as will bring benefit to the Iraqi people has become possible in view of modern scientific progress. It therefore declares that all natural resources existing on the sea-bed and the sub-soil beneath it are the property of Iraq and that Iraq has exclusive general jurisdiction over such resources and over their preservation and exploitation. It has likewise the exclusive right to take all measures necessary for the exploration of such resources and their exploitation in such a way as it deems suitable. It has also the right to take such administrative and legislative measures as are necessary for the protection of all constructions required by the process of exploration and exploitation. The Government of Iraq wishes to assert that the sole purpose of its issue of this proclamation is the exercise of rights established by international practice. It also wishes to assert that nothing in this proclamation shall infringe the established rules pertaining to the freedom of navigation.