The non-navigational use of international rivers : a case study of the Tigris and Euphrates river basins

Abstract

The new reality in the evolution of non-navigational uses of international rivers has led to a large discrepancy between the interests of riparian States with regard to the management and utilisation of international rivers, as well as tension in the relations of many riparian States.
Thus there is an urgent need to develop legal rules governing the uses of international rivers, in order to find a balance between conflicting interests and avoid disputes between the riparian States. This thesis focuses on the provisions contained in international conventions, the rules of customary international law and other related principles, and addresses possible areas for their application to the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers Basins dispute. The main objective of this
thesis is to propose an international legal regime, appropriate for the management and exploitation of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, through studying the provisions ofinternational law relating to this subject, as well as clarifying their adequacy in their application to the dispute in this region.
The study of international law provisions relating to the non-navigational uses will be undertaken through tracking the evolution of these uses, discussing their legal and theoretical foundation, as well as studying and analysing the rights and duties of riparian States, taking into account the specificity of this region and the political relations between these countries. It will also analyse the interim arrangements between the Basin's countries, which have not
succeeded in reaching a formal agreement on these uses, as well as providing a review of the legal and political positions of these States on this issue, and assessing their compatibility with the provisions of international law. The main principles that would underpin the proposed international legal regime for the management and utilisation of the basin in accordance with
the provisions of international law will be identified. Suggestions and recommendations will be made in this regard, with a view to ensuring that Iraq's right to water in the basin is adequately guaranteed, while at the same time maintaining the balance between the interests of the riparian States.

Date of Award	Oct 2015
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Bangor University