The British Foreign Office confirmed on Wednesday that Britain would submit claims to the United Nations for the extension of the continental shelf.
"The UK is considering submitting 5 claims to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (UNCLCS) for the extension of the continental shelf to ensure that we safeguard our future options before the right to do so expires in May 2009." the ministry said in a statement.
"Other countries are also considering submitting claims. If we don't submit by that deadline, we will have lost the right to so in the future." said the ministry.
"In addition to safeguarding our rights and options, UK jurisdiction in these areas, if internationally agreed, would help protect these areas from uncontrolled environmental damage. We are absolutely committed to upholding our obligations under the Antarctic Treaty." said the statement.
Under Article 76 of the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea, Britain could make five claims, and these are in the Bay of Biscay, around Ascension Islands, off the British Antarctic Territory, around the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, and in the Hatton/Rockall area, said the ministry.
Source: Xinhua
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