Draft guidelines for military and intelligence gathering activities in the EEZ and their means and manner of implementation and enforcement

Specific voluntary guidelines are proposed for military and intelligence gathering activities in the EEZ. Views on the guidelines range from strong reservations regarding any restrictions on these activities to support for some restrictions. There is general support for the effort to promote mutual understanding and agreement on the rights and obligations of the maritime powers which do not want any rules and coastal States that want some predictability and protection against intimidation. The challenge is to find a practical way of handling these issues. Suggestions are provided regarding requisite specific assurances and the process for implementing and enforcing any such guidelines. State consent and State practice will play a significant role in this process.