Should the Invocation of Paragraph 5(a) of Annex I to the CLCS Rules of Procedure Result in an Automatic Deferral of the Consideration of a Submission?

It is debatable whether the invocation of Paragraph 5(a) of Annex I to the CLCS Rules by a third State other than the State(s) submitting the Information automatically results in the deferral of the consideration of a Submission by the CLCS. The CLCS appears to regard itself as a simply functioning body that only inspects the invocation of Paragraph 5(a) of Annex I. However, the CLCS is highly capable of helping to resolve disputes or matters relating to delimitation by making Recommendations regarding delineation prior to delimitation in specific cases. Therefore, an automatic deferral of the consideration of a Submission resulting from the invocation of Paragraph 5(a) of Annex I to the CLCS Rules implies that the CLCS denies its responsibility under the 1982 UNCLOS.