International treaties and conventions on the Baltic Sea may provide answers to find a solution to the fishermen problem between India (Tamil Nadu) and Sri Lanka(Northern Province), according to Nirmala Chandrahasan, veteran legal expert. In April 2009, the European Union and Russia signed an agreement to protect and enhance the marine environment in the Baltic Sea area. In 1992, all the states bordering on the Baltic Sea and the European Community (a precursor to the European Union) signed a fresh convention. “In international law, once signed between two countries, treaties are binding.” Besides, no unilateral review can be carried out. The Helsinki Convention was originally signed by seven Baltic coastal states in 1974 to address issues concerning sources of pollution.

Source: The Hindu July 13, 2016 15:11 UTC