Following Seas

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta yesterday stumped on behalf of ratifying the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. Here's an excerpt from a speech he gave at a symposium in Washington:

The time has come for the United States to have a seat at the table, to fully assert its role as a global leader, and accede to this important treaty.  It is the bedrock legal instrument underpinning public order across the maritime domain.  We are the only permanent member of the U.N. Security Council that is not a party to it.  China, France, Russia, other countries, Germany, India, 161 countries have approved this treaty.  We are the only industrialized country in the world that has not approved it.

This puts us at a distinct disadvantage, particularly when it comes to disputes over maritime rights and responsibilities when we have to engage with the 161 countries, including several rising powers, which are party to that treaty.

In years past, several Senate committees have examined the Convention and its various elements in hearings, and earlier Committee votes were approved by large bipartisan majorities.

Accession also has broad support among major U.S. industries.  This is an important point.  This is something that is not just supported by the diplomatic community or the environmental community.  This is also supported by the business community.  Companies that are dealing with offshore energy, shipbuilding, commercial shipping, communications companies, on and on and on.  Industries that have to deal with our offshore resources.  They need this treaty in order to be able to do their business and to effectively accomplish their goals.  The same is true for national security.

You have already heard the importance that Chairman Marty Dempsey attaches to U.S. ratification of the treaty.  His views are echoed by the senior leadership through the department of Defense: the Chief of Naval Operations, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and the Coast Guard Commandant.

. . . And here's an Inside the Navy story from last year on the Law of the Sea:

Obama Administration To Push Law Of The Sea Treaty In Senate This Year