Tensions in territorial disputes

His aim was to push for agreement that all nations would refrain from the use of force, that international laws would be respected and that a binding code of conduct be established.

The United States has played an important role in this dispute by making it clear to all parties involved that every effort must be made to avoid military conflict over these claims and that a negotiated settlement must be reached.

The current cycle of increasingly provocative behaviour in the waters around these islands needs to halt before tensions boil over into what could rapidly escalate into a more serious conflict.

There are also rising tensions between the United Kingdom and Argentina over the Falkland Islands.

Argentina has used bellicose language in recent months as exploration activity has increased, with reports of significant discoveries of oil.

The UK government has raised the stakes further in recent weeks with the granting of licences to develop the oilfields around the Falklands.

While it appears unlikely that Argentina will resort to the use of force, it has brought back to the surface the tensions that have existed between the two countries since they went to war over the islands 30 years ago.

The government of Cyprus has been under pressure from Turkey, which objected to offshore exploration while the island remains divided with the Turkish Cypriot population separate from the larger Greek Cypriot community.

Turkey threatened the use of force if exploration was undertaken, however the contracts were awarded to US companies and Turkey backed down from its threats.

The discovery of very large gas reserves in the area between Cyprus and Israel has increased the Turkish agitation but there appears to be little likelihood of military conflict in the current exploration area.

That could change in coming years if areas of greater sensitivity are opened up for development.

These disputes highlight a shortcoming in the international framework including UNCLOS for dispute settlement.