393. The Tribunal observes that the exercise of its jurisdiction in the present
case cannot be seen as an encroachment on the functions of the
Commission, inasmuch as the settlement, through negotiations, of disputes
between States regarding delimitation of the continental shelf beyond 200 nm
is not seen as precluding examination by the Commission of the submissions
made to it or hindering it from issuing appropriate recommendations.
394. For the foregoing reasons, the Tribunal concludes that, in order to fulfil
its responsibilities under Part XV, Section 2, of the Convention in the present
case, it has an obligation to adjudicate the dispute and to delimit the
continental shelf between the Parties beyond 200 nm. Such delimitation is
without prejudice to the establishment of the outer limits of the continental
shelf in accordance with article 76, paragraph 8, of the Convention.