The General Assembly,
 
      Stressing the importance of the uniform interpretation or application of
the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the
agreements related thereto and any other agreement which may confer
jurisdiction on the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea,
 
      Aware of the need for States to settle any disputes concerning the
interpretation or application of the Convention by peaceful means,
 
      Welcoming the establishment of the Tribunal in Hamburg, Germany,
 
      Noting the decision of the Meeting of States Parties at its fifth
session to seek observer status for the International Tribunal for the Law of
the Sea in order to enable it to participate in the sessions and the work of
the General Assembly and the decision of the Tribunal at its first session to
seek such observer status,
 
      1.    Decides to invite the International Tribunal for the Law of the
Sea to participate in the sessions and the work of the General Assembly in the
capacity of observer;
 
      2.    Requests the Secretary-General to take the necessary action to
implement the present resolution.