AALCO should play greater role in intl dispute resolution

India today pitched for greater role by AALCO -- a 60-year-old global body that deals with matters relating to international law -- in resolving complex issues and legal disputes.
Sujata Mehta, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, addressing 55th annual session of the Asian African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO), said it should play a greater role in the field of alternative dispute resolution.
She hoped the AALCO's deliberations at the session on range of topics like violent extremism and terrorism, WTO issues and the Law of the Sea will be able to influence and carry forward the international debates on these topics.

"It is our hope that over time AALCO should play an even greater role in the field of alternative dispute resolution. This 55th Session of AALCO has an important and serious agenda," said Mehta.
AALCO was formed following the historic Afro-Asian conference in Bandung in 1955, in which seven countries Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, the then United Arab Republic, and India, had come together to establish the forum with an aim to democratise codification of international law and broaden its base.
Over the years, AALCO has been playing a major role in framing various international law and accords.

"We have always participated in AALCO's activities with close interest as we regard AALCO as an essential platform to discuss and help crystallise the needs and interests in the field of international law for countries of the Asian and African regions.

"In that sense we see this Organization as playing a central role in the development of international law regionally, and beyond," said Mehta.
She said AALCO's close cooperation with other global organisations including its representation at the UN has provided an additional platform for AALCO member States to contribute to the progressive development of international law.
"We would also be happy to support AALCO contribution to current issues being discussed intensively such as marine biological diversity beyond national jurisdiction and on the legal regime for cyber-space," said Mehta.